How can a media company help communities?

Gannett is using fact-based journalism to champion the right to information and provide coverage of some of the world’s leading issues.

An information impasse

Access to information is crucial for enabling citizens around the world to exercise their voice and make informed decisions about leadership. Access to information alongside governmental transparency generates greater levels of accountability and empowers communities. Media freedom has been deteriorating around the world over the past decade. It is the direct impact on democracy that makes this threat particularly dangerous. It is vital that journalists are able to report freely on matters of public interest. This is becoming more important as special powers are limiting access to information and more governments attempt to cover up corruption.

The power of publications

Gannett and the USA TODAY Network work daily against this impasse. They are determined to expose wrongs, uncover threats to fundamental freedoms, and seek solutions to hold governments accountable. By publishing ethical, fact-based journalism, Gannett properties aim to produce data driven articles on the causes and effects of climate change, provide coverage of threats to voting rights, and hold governments and officials accountable. For example, Gannett defended a journalist on trial after their arrest for covering the George Floyd protests in 2020. In doing so, they championed freedom of press.

Fights for freedoms

By fighting for rights and access to public records, as well as leading legislative battles to change public records laws, Gannett demonstrates the importance of media freedom. Free media is vital to ensuring peace and justice. Gannett plans to continue that coverage and publish articles on its fights for public records with the aim of encouraging more people to support the cause.

This story shows how Gannett supports Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, specifically Target 16.10 “Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements”.

About the company

Gannett is a subscription-led and digitally-focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. They aim to support diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities by offering opportunities for growth. They do this through their commitment to ethical reporting and connecting readers through storytelling.

Read Gannett’s 2022 ESG report here.