Nobel Peace Prize Winners Protect the Reputation of Honest Media In Wake of Propaganda & Misinformation

In an era of increasing authoritarianism and misinformation, Maria Ressa and Dmitri A. Muratov, who lead independent news outlets in the Philippines and Russia, were honored for their work to hold leaders accountable and promote freedom of expression in their home countries.

Last Friday, the two journalists were both awarded Nobel Peace Prizes by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for “their courageous fight for freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.” Dmitri A. Muratov and Maria Ressa, who is only the 18th woman to ever receive the Peace Prize, have continuously challenged authoritarian forces and hostile environments, threatening their safety and livelihood for the sake of press freedom. Ressa and Rappler have also frequently documented how social media is being used to manipulate public discourse.

Repression of media has been growing steadily, and public trust in legitimate journalism has dissipated in the wake of fake news. The recognition which Maria Ressa and Dmitri A. Muratov received reinforces the importance of free, independent, and fact-based journalism which serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and propaganda. They are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal, in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.

We commemorate their fight and the work they have done to not only protect the public, but also to protect the reputation of honest media. With viewers tuning in from Russia and the Philippines, we will continue to use our platform to elevate conscious stories and real-life narratives that promote the common good.

RELATED: Watch Pulitzer Prize Winners, Sheryl Wudunn and Nicholas Kristof change the landscape of journalism for social change.

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