Simon Bishop

1000s of journalists in some of the world’s most fragile places rely on @USAID funding. Without it they can no longer hold the powerful to account, support democracy, tackle disinformation or provide trustworthy media to their audiences. READ @bbcmediaaction’s statement here.

Frmr Amb. @McFaul on @RadioFreeAsia suspending news content production amid unprecedented uncertainty in funding. #Pressfreedom #Article19

The BBC, in association with Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, and Reuters, has launched a short film calling on the Israeli authorities to allow international journalists access to Gaza. Read more: bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/20…

Off to #UNGA2025 to make @bbcmediaaction’s case that amid disinformation, diminishing free speech, and polluted information ecosystems, trusted, independent, public service journalism is indispensable. Join us, see more here: bbc.co.uk/mediaaction/in… #pursuitoftruth #freepress

…@FondHirondelle @TRF and many others! #freepress #IFJ2025 #pursuitoftruth …4 of 4

… The work of organisations and donors to support them is more critical than ever – we need creative solutions to protect essential local voices. Looking forward to seeing so many partners @MediaGFMD @internews_eu @sembramedia @arijnetwork @dw_akademie …3 of 4

Boarding flight to Perugia for the International Journalism Festival - lnkd.in/evD2xF5m - to join critical conversations around the future of independent media. You can’t have #freedom, #democracy or #humanrights without a #freepress to hold the powerful to account…1 of 4

The only winners will be autocrats and those who aim to undermine democracy and sow disinformation, division and distrust if @VOANews, @RadioFreeAsia Asia, @RFERL (Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty) and others get cut: edition.cnn.com/2025/03/16/med… #freepress

For those interested in the possible impact of ⁦@FCDOGovUK⁩ #UKAid cuts this week, this is an excellent read from one of the UK’s most senior ex-military figures. I ran Britain’s army. I know what it needs. Don’t cut aid to fund defence theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

...Many of these outlets, already under unprecedented pressure from both the authorities and their own fragile finances, now face closure. Facts still matter — and they are under threat. Simon Bishop @SiBishop Chief Executive, BBC Media Action 4/4

...world hold the powerful to account, are a cornerstone of (often fledgling) democracies, provide their citizens with trustworthy, accurate — even life-saving — information through crisis and conflict, and counter ever-growing disinformation....3/4

.@bbcmediaaction's efforts to highlight the impacts of @USAID cuts continue this morning with a letter published by the @FT : ft.com/content/3cae01… Title: Washington’s aid move is blow to media everywhere The end of the US Agency for International Development would...1/4

🇿🇲 This is Oliver Mukampaila, a maize farmer in Monze, Zambia, and he's celebrating a successful harvest. 🌽 Despite the terrible drought, he was confident in his crop because of the weather and climate change advice he heard on the radio through @bbcmediaaction. “I’ve got high hopes these plants we’re planting... which are drought resistant, will help us pull through this year” 🎧 bbc.in/4huFqDs

#25Years25Stories - we’re supporting journalists in Kenya to produce radio shows that help keep people with disabilities in education and to access work. bbc.in/4aMdl81

Facts still matter: Our statement on USAID funding and our work. bbc.in/3WY1IFz

I was interviewed today by @katierazz on @BBCRadio4’s The Media Show about the @USAID aid cuts and @elonmusk spreading misinformation, listen here from 29 minutes: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

I'm looking forward to being interviewed on @BBC Radio 4's The Media Show - bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00… - this afternoon by @Katierazz and @BBCRosAtkins to discuss the impact of almost all aid being suspended by @USAID. Tune in from 4pm to listen in to @bbcmediaaction's view.