On World Press Freedom Day, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) said it stands with journalists around the world who continue to report truth to power in the face of growing threats.

These include censorship, intimidation and legal harassment.

Press freedom is not an abstract ideal. It is something that must be upheld every day in the working conditions of those who produce the news, the IGM said.

In Malta, press freedom is undermined when journalists are underpaid, overworked, harassed, or sued for doing their jobs. A truly free press depends on the safety, security, and dignity of the journalists behind it. Freelancers, photojournalists, and digital media workers are often among the most vulnerable.

Yet they are vital to a diverse and independent media landscape. This is why our union insists on one simple truth: Labour rights and press freedom go hand in hand. A free press requires strong, independent, and unionised journalists Unionised journalists are better equipped to resist editorial interference, demand fair treatment, and protect their independence. Collective strength helps journalists push back against pressure from owners, advertisers, or political actors. It also ensures that we look after one another in an increasingly hostile environment.

On this Press Freedom Day, the IGM called for stronger legal protections against harassment and abusive lawsuits, Ppublic support and funding for independent journalism and improved workplace rights to defend journalists from exploitation and censorship.

"You cannot defend press freedom without defending the people who produce the news. That means standing up for journalists as workers, and that means building power through unions," the IGM said.