The past year was a reminder both of the power of a free press as well as the declining state of press freedom. The brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi made headlines around the world. Across the Asia-Pacific region, numerous events pointed to a widespread trend of diminishing media independence and transparency. In Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo remain in prison as a result of their reporting on the Rohingya crisis. In the Philippines, the Rodrigo Duterte administration has cracked down on online news organization Rappler due to its critical reporting. Rappler's co-founder Maria Ressa was arrested on February 13, in what has become a common pattern in the country. In addition to applying political and legal pressure, various governments have passed legislation to restrict press freedoms and independent media outlets.

What new challenges are journalists facing in the region? And what steps can be taken to bring greater transparency and free flow of information in the region?  

Natashya Gutierrez, Editor-in-Chief of Vice Media Asia and a former journalist at Rappler, will discuss these and other questions at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s inaugural AsiaX talk in New York. Gutierrez's years of on-the-ground reporting in Southeast Asia have given her invaluable insights into the state of the news media in Asia. She will share her insights about the future of a free press in the region.

AsiaX is a speaker series and networking event for emerging Asia policy professionals and young executives. AsiaX is focused on bringing fresh ideas from up-and-coming Asian innovators and experts to the Washington D.C. policy debate. These private events bring together young leaders from across the government, business, and policy communities to discuss emerging trends and issues that are re-shaping Asia and the U.S. role in the region.

Attendance at this event is by invitation only. This event is open to all Asia Circle members. To join Asia Circle, email [email protected] or call 212-327-9304. For additional information about this event, email [email protected]. 

Speaker

Natashya Gutierrez is the Editor-in-Chief at VICE Media Asia. Prior to joining VICE, she worked at Rappler as the Indonesia Bureau Chief and a Regional Correspondent for Southeast Asia. Ms. Gutierrez has been awarded several journalism fellowships for her content and videography, including the 2015 Asian Journalist Fellowship and the 2014 Reporting ASEAN Fellowship.