At the same time, the study shows a slight increase in scepticism towards the media. 17% of respondents agreed with the statement that the media “systematically lies” to the population, an increase compared to previous years. In addition, 23% believe that the media and politics “work hand in hand” to manipulate public opinion.
Threats to media professionals remains a serious problem worldwide, both in the form of physical attacks and digital assaults. According to Reporters Without Borders, a total of 54 journalists were killed in connection with their work in 2024 – an increase compared to the previous year (45). Reporting in conflict regions such as Gaza was particularly dangerous, with at least 35 media workers killed there since October 2023 alone. These figures illustrate that journalists in crisis areas continue to be at high risk.
The number of media professionals imprisoned worldwide remains alarmingly high. As of December 1, 2024, 550 journalists were in prison because of their work, a slight increase compared to 2023 (521). Authoritarian states such as China, Myanmar and Belarus are particularly prominent in the figures, accounting for 266 of the total number of detentions.
The monitoring report by Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) reveals a worrying trend. In the first half of 2024, 72 incidents of media freedom violations were recorded in Germany, affecting 116 media professionals or media outlets. These incidents include insults, intimidation, digital attacks and physical assaults, particularly during demonstrations and protests.
2. Business performance
The German Press Agency can look back on an eventful and challenging news year in 2024, which was marked by significant political and social developments. The collapse of Germany’s ruling three-party coalition in November and the subsequent political realignment had a major impact on reporting. At the same time, Donald Trump’s re-election as US president, together with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, attracted global attention and created new geopolitical tensions.
Despite difficult conditions, dpa made important progress and further strengthened its position as Germany’s largest news agency. Consistent cost management, stable revenues in the core business and successes in growth markets contributed to an overall positive result. The agency has developed successfully and achieved many of its strategic goals. In addition, it has succeeded in reaching a groundbreaking collective agreement with employee representatives that reflects the economic conditions and the general market situation.