Germany: Attacks on Journalists Double, Middle East Reporting Polarizes & Media Policy Initiatives Stalled
They were beaten, kicked, and hit with bottles: in 2024, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) documented 89 attacks on media professionals and media organizations, as revealed in the newly published “Close-Up 2025: RSF Report on Press Freedom in Germany”. The research also sheds light on many other aspects of press freedom – for example on the topics of legislation and surveillance – and this year, for the first time, deals with the special challenges surrounding Middle East reporting for German journalists.
A total of 75 out of the 89 attacks RSF documented for Germany in 2024, involved physical violence against the body or equipment of journalists. 14 other attacks targeted newsrooms or journalists' homes. But even though the numbers have doubled since the 41 documented attacks in 2023, the development has to be analyzed with care – due to one striking trend in the statistics: violence against journalists in 2024 was particularly concentrated in Berlin, where 49 of the nationwide documented cases occurred. The majority of these attacks took place on the sidelines of Middle East-related demonstrations. Twenty-nine of these attacks targeted just two reporters, who were repeatedly assaulted. Elsewhere in Germany, media professionals continue to face danger primarily when covering far-right and conspiracy-theory-driven gatherings, where RSF recorded 21 attacks in 2024.
“Press freedom in Germany hasn't escaped the wider European threats. But rather than followers, we expect the government and media industry in the EU's largest country - ranked high in the World Press Freedom Index - to be trend-setters. We call on them to assume their responsibility in taking exemplary measures for journalists' safety and media pluralism, guranteed for both German and exiled journalists. By taking a pro-active approach, Germany can build hope for press freedom across Europe.
Press Freedom Under Pressure in Middle East Coverage
Journalists are increasingly facing hostility from the public and a narrowing perception of press freedom. But in 2024, tensions also arose within editorial offices. Particularly after October 7, 2023, RSF received frequent reports of an increasingly restrictive editorial climate regarding coverage of Israel and Palestine. Foreign correspondents reported lengthy editorial negotiations over terminology used to criticize Israeli military actions. Statements from Palestinian sources, human rights organizations, and the United Nations (UN) were consistently questioned — unlike those from the Israeli military. Many journalists also expressed fear of being publicly vilified by other media outlets or on social media.
“Many German citizens now view journalists as enemies. RSF calls for media organizations and politicians to take responsibility and restore trust in the ‘fourth estate.’ The newly elected government must swiftly implement key media policy measures to better protect journalists from populist attacks and counter the rampant spread of disinformation.
Germany’s media diversity under threat
Despite maintaining a relatively high level of media diversity internationally, Germany faces increasing monopolization and financial pressures in the sector. While public and private broadcasters continue to offer a broad range of content, the number of independent local newspapers is in steady decline. The percentage of districts with only one remaining local newspaper has risen from 33.5% in 1992 to 46.75% today as a study of the Media School of Hambourg.
To counteract this trend, RSF calls for tax incentives for nonprofit journalism and a platform-independent journalism support framework that prioritizes editorial contributions to media plurality, ensuring that funding directly benefits journalistic work.
Media policy reforms must not be delayed
Germany still lacks crucial legislative action to safeguard press freedom. European regulations, such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the Anti-SLAPP directive, must be fully implemented. Additionally, the new government must revive the legislative initiative against digital violence, a legislative effort that the previous coalition failed to pass.
At the EU level, decisive enforcement of new regulations on major digital platforms is essential to curb hate speech and disinformation. Independent journalism remains the most effective antidote to propaganda. RSF urges structured support for exiled journalists and stronger protections against transnational repression, ensuring that journalists forced to flee their home countries can continue their work without fear of persecution.
Protection of Independent Journalism and Freedom of Information
Independent journalism is a pillar of democracy and must be comprehensively protected. This includes source protection and protection against surveillance. Initiatives such as IP data retention, the expansion of government spyware, the use of biometric identification methods and databases, or the breaking of encryption threaten the confidential communication between journalists and their sources. At the same time, journalistic means of obtaining information and conducting research should not be restricted. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) should not be weakened, but instead, it should be transformed into a nationwide transparency law.
Germany is currently ranked 10th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom.
> The full Close-Up Germany 2025 report is available here.
Aller plus loin
