States of Control: COVID, Cuts and Impunity: South Asia Press Freedom Report, 2019-2020

he media had the task of reporting the growing humanitarian crisis, working in difficult circumstances and amidst unprecedented physical curbs due to lockdowns and restrictions, particularly in containment zones. The Covid-19 crisis has exacerbated existing fault lines in the precarious freedoms that the South Asian media has fought for and the most vulnerable are now taking the first beating. The lack of safety for journalists, highlighted by poor working conditions – many media houses took days and even weeks to procure personal protective equipment (PPEs) for their staff in the midst of lay-offs, salary cuts and forced leave without pay. South Asia’s moniker, “the most dangerous place” for journalists continues to be the unfortunate reality. Sixteen media workers lost their lives and a total of 219 violations were recorded, including targeted attacks, threats and legal cases.