CJR Editor and Publisher Kyle Pope talks with journalism professors Todd Gitlin and Michael Schudson about President Trump's attacks on the press and the implications for US democracy.

The murder of Jamal Khashoggi has intensified the fear among Saudi journalists and highlighted the risks of reporting on or from Saudi Arabia. Journalists like Jasmine Bager and Sarah Aziza have experienced self-censorship and concern for the safety of their sources. The Saudi government's crackdown on dissent has worsened under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with hundreds of activists arrested and journalists jailed. Khashoggi's case has globalized awareness of these risks, and the government has threatened severe penalties for sharing 'fake news.' Despite fears, Bager published a tribute to Khashoggi, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the real consequences of speaking out.

CJR Editor and Publisher Kyle Pope and Seamus Hughes from George Washington University’s Program on Extremism discuss who is considered a reporter and what is regarded as journalism, particularly in non-traditional journalistic institutions.

Journalists in Bangladesh are increasingly practicing self-censorship due to fear of government retaliation, particularly under the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League. The arrest of Shahidul Alam, a prominent photographer, under section 57 of the Information and Technology Act after he criticized the government on Al Jazeera, has heightened these fears. The act, which has been used to silence dissent, is set to be replaced by the Digital Security Act, which journalists fear will be even more repressive. With elections approaching, the situation for media freedom in Bangladesh remains precarious, and many journalists have been forced to flee the country or reduce their critical reporting.

Vinay Shukla's documentary 'While We Watched' follows Indian journalist Ravish Kumar, who worked at NDTV and was known for not aligning with Narendra Modi's BJP government. The film, which won awards and is set for a US release, explores the challenges faced by journalists in India amid a polarized media landscape and government pressure. Kumar, who faced threats and eventually resigned after NDTV's takeover by Gautam Adani, a Modi ally, discusses the state of journalism and the role of misinformation. The article also touches on broader media issues, including Ron DeSantis' CNN interview and proposals affecting Israeli broadcast media.

Susan Smith Richardson has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Center for Public Integrity, becoming the first African American to lead the nonprofit investigative journalism outlet. In a conversation with CJR Editor and Publisher Kyle Pope, they discussed the importance of diversifying newsrooms, strategies for covering the 2020 elections, and the significance of the recent mayoral win in Chicago.

International students in the U.S. are facing the threat of deportation due to a new ICE regulation stating that nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 visa holders must leave the country if their courses are only online. This has caused panic and anxiety among students like Jacob Chang from Ohio State University and Birks Sachdev from UC Berkeley. Harvard University and MIT have filed lawsuits to challenge the regulation, and universities across America are supporting their legal actions. International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, and the new rule has been criticized as unfair and inhumane. Faculty members believe the Trump administration is using this regulation to pressure universities to reopen campuses despite rising COVID-19 cases.

A federal judge in New York blocked President Trump's executive order, allowing passengers with valid visas to enter the US, a move celebrated by the ACLU. New Yorkers protested at JFK airport against the ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries. Syrian journalist Omar al-Muqdad, Indonesian green card holder Sacha Amry, and others voiced their opposition, highlighting the emotional and practical impacts of the ban. Religious and ethnic groups united in protest, with figures like James Zogby condemning the order. Uncertainty looms for professionals like Dr. Anas Abdul Kayoum, as the ban affects fellowship opportunities and family reunifications.

Balaknama, a newspaper run by street children in India, highlights issues such as child labor, early marriages, and sexual abuse affecting slum kids. Started in 2003 with 35 reporters in New Delhi, it has expanded to seven cities with nearly 10,000 child reporters. The paper, supported by NGO Chetna, empowers children like Vikas Kumar and Shanno, who have become advocates for human rights. Balaknama's unique stories have gained international attention, leading to support and opportunities for the children it represents.