Global Journalist Fatalities Reach Unprecedented High in 2025, CPJ Reports

New York, NY — The year 2025 marked a grim milestone for press freedom worldwide, with a record 129 journalists and media workers killed in connection with their work, according to a report released today by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This staggering figure represents the highest annual death toll since the organization began systematically collecting data in 1992, highlighting an escalating crisis for those dedicated to reporting the news in increasingly dangerous environments.

The alarming surge in fatalities underscores a severe erosion of protections for media professionals, with conflict zones emerging as particularly lethal landscapes. The CPJ’s findings paint a stark picture of the threats journalists face, ranging from targeted attacks to being caught in the crossfire of escalating hostilities, profoundly impacting the global flow of information.

Conflict Zones Drive Record Casualties

Over three-quarters of all press deaths in 2025 occurred in conflict settings, with the Israel-Gaza war identified as the deadliest conflict on record for journalists. The CPJ reported that Israel was responsible for two-thirds of all journalist and media worker killings, accounting for 86 deaths, predominantly Palestinian journalists in Gaza. This marks a paradigm shift, as the Israeli military has now been implicated in more targeted killings of press members than any other government's military on record. The situation in Gaza contributed significantly to 2025 being the second consecutive year to set a record for journalist deaths globally.

Beyond the immediate conflict zones, other regions also saw significant losses. Sudan recorded nine journalist deaths, Mexico six, and Ukraine four, where Russian military drones were responsible for the fatalities. These numbers emphasize the multifaceted dangers journalists encounter, whether covering active battlefields or investigating organized crime and political corruption in other parts of the world.

The Rise of Drone Warfare and Targeted Assassinations

A particularly troubling trend observed in the 2025 report is the dramatic increase in the use of drones in killings. Drone-related fatalities among media workers surged from just two in 2023 to 39 in 2025. Of these, 28 were attributed to Israel's military in Gaza, with five more by paramilitary forces in Sudan, and others in Ukraine by Russian military drones. This proliferation of drone attacks points to a new and increasingly precise method of targeting individuals, including journalists, raising serious concerns about the deliberate nature of these actions.

The CPJ further documented 47 cases of journalists murdered specifically because of their work, marking the highest number of deliberate killings in the past decade. Israel was deemed responsible for 81% of these targeted assassinations. This pattern suggests a deliberate intent to silence reporting, which has profound implications for freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.

Impunity Fuels the Crisis

A persistent culture of impunity remains a critical factor in the escalating violence against journalists. The CPJ report highlights that very few transparent investigations have been conducted into these targeted killings, and accountability for perpetrators remains largely absent. This lack of justice emboldens those who seek to suppress independent reporting, creating a cycle of violence that goes unpunished. Organizations like CPJ argue that the failure of global leaders to protect the press and hold attackers accountable lays the groundwork for more killings, not only in war zones but also in countries where journalists investigate sensitive issues.

The absence of repercussions for these acts of violence perpetuates a dangerous environment, eroding the rule of law and undermining democratic principles. Countries such as Mexico, India, and the Philippines are cited as places where governments have consistently failed to secure justice for murdered journalists, contributing to the global climate of impunity.

Urgent Calls for International Action

In response to the unprecedented death toll, press freedom advocates are intensifying calls for immediate and decisive action from international bodies and governments. The CPJ has urged for radical reforms in how governments investigate journalist killings, proposing the establishment of an international investigative task force and the imposition of targeted sanctions against entities responsible for these attacks.

The escalating numbers signify a global red alert for media professionals, impacting not only individual journalists and their families but also the fundamental right of populations to access crucial information. When journalists are targeted and killed, it creates a chilling effect, limiting the scope of reporting and leaving communities vulnerable to misinformation and a lack of oversight. The year 2025 stands as a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices made by journalists and the urgent need for global commitment to their protection and the principles of a free press.