Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom

The threats to press freedom and journalism safety are more serious than at any time in recorded history. Around the world, democracy is dying in the darkness of physical assaults on media professionals, imprisonment, and political polarisation, online attacks, and a haemorrhaging of media jobs. Journalists are often conditioned to not become the story, but this podcast hears from the storytellers themselves.  In each episode, global press freedom and media safety expert Hannah Storm hears from leading journalists and media freedom experts who share what drives them to keep on doing their work against difficult odds, how they manage their safety and look after themselves. Through real life stories of bravery, this podcast helps show why shooting the messenger is not only hurting journalism but risks hurting society at large. 

]]> https://audioboom.com/channels/5167986 audioboom.com Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:39:03 +0000 en https://audioboom.com/i/43502912.png Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom https://audioboom.com/channels/5167986 false Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom Audioboom 9f9f54b3-7b9a-5444-b7b4-de1d8486b231 https://audioboom.com/channels/5167986.rss episodic 3: Shooting the Messenger: the Case for Press Freedom. Episode 3 - a conversation with Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine https://audioboom.com/posts/8897572 3 Shooting the Messenger: the Case for Press Freedom. Episode 3 - a conversation with Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine 2223 false full

In this episode, Hannah Storm speaks with Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, about the vital role of journalism amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They explore the evolving threats journalists face, innovative solidarity initiatives, mental health support, and the importance of global media solidarity.

Main Topics:

  • The impact of war on press freedom and journalist safety in Ukraine
  • Innovation in journalist support: solidarity centers and safety tools
  • Mental health and resilience strategies for journalists under crisis
  • International solidarity’s role in safeguarding journalism and information access
  • The significance of press freedom for democracy and peace

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Press freedom and journalism safety during conflict
 00:45 - Sergiy Tomilenko’s background and work supporting Ukrainian journalists
 01:42 - The toll of international advocacy tours and maintaining morale
 02:37 - The role of journalism in defending truth and supporting ordinary people
 04:08 - Challenges and dangers faced by Ukrainian journalists during the war
 05:28 - The story of Vasyl Miroshnyk and local newspaper resilience
 06:49 - Daily threats from Russian drones and frontline dangers
 08:06 - Changes in threats to journalism pre- and post-invasion
 09:16 - The threat and mitigation of drone attacks on journalists
 12:03 - Equipment and mental health support for journalists in war zones
 13:18 - The mental health toll of prolonged conflict and resilience measures
 21:41 - The creation and impact of Ukrainian Journalist Solidarity Centers
 24:13 - Peer support, safety trainings, and international influence
 28:27 - Recognition and awards for journalistic solidarity efforts
 30:19 - The importance of ongoing international media support
 32:33 - Addressing fatigue and maintaining awareness of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis
 34:03 - The link between press freedom, democracy, and peace
 36:12 - Closing message: The importance of supporting independent journalism

Resources & Links:

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:39:03 +0000 audioboom-019ddf43-4e4f-78dc-9e68-589e1e105016 Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom 2: Shooting the Messenger: the Case for Press Freedom. Episode 2 - a conversation with Diane Foley, mother of American journalist Jim Foley https://audioboom.com/posts/8897032 2 Shooting the Messenger: the Case for Press Freedom. Episode 2 - a conversation with Diane Foley, mother of American journalist Jim Foley 1771 false full

In this episode, join Hannah Storm as she speaks with Diane Foley, who shares the inspiring story of how she turned personal tragedy into a global call for press freedom, moral courage, and understanding. Diane shares insights from her journey—her son Jim's legacy, her faith, and her remarkable efforts to advocate for journalists and foster empathy worldwide.
Key Topics

  • Diane Foley’s background and the founding of the Foley Foundation
  • The importance of moral courage in journalism, as exemplified by Jim Foley
  • The connection between press freedom and democracy
  • Safety challenges faced by journalists, especially freelancers and correspondents in conflict zones
  • Lessons from Diane’s encounter with Alexander Kotey, one of the men accused of torturing her son, and the power of listening and empathy
  • The role of faith and hope in sustaining activism and advocacy
  • How storytelling and listening can bridge divisions and heal polarization
  • Practical efforts to improve journalist safety through organizations like the ACOS Alliance
  • The ongoing impact and legacy of Jim Foley’s moral courage

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: press freedom, sacrifice, and Diane Foley’s story
 01:02 - Diane’s reflections on Jim Foley’s legacy and moral courage
 02:28 - Jim Foley’s motivation to become a journalist and his dedication to truth
 04:15 - The significance of holding space for marginalized voices
 06:19 - The importance for the public to understand journalists' risks
 08:15 - Link between press freedom and democracy
 10:05 - Evolving threats to journalists and press freedom over time
 11:41 - The Foley Foundation’s mission and key achievements
 13:43 - Advice for young journalists in a dangerous world
 15:22 - The role of the ACOS Alliance in journalist safety, especially freelancers
 17:13 - What keeps Diane going: moral courage and faith
 18:34 - The power of hope and standing for what is right
 20:17 - Faith as Diane’s strength amid adversity
 21:30 - Maintaining energy and resilience at nearly 80 years old
 23:12 - The importance of listening and empathy in bridging divides
 25:15 - The experience of meeting Alexander Cote and the act of forgiveness
 26:43 - The significance of empathy and compassion in healing and understanding
 28:00 - Jim Foley’s enduring legacy of moral courage and influence
 29:24 - Addressing those who attack journalists and threaten press freedom
 30:20 - The role of hope, love, and moral courage in a better future
 31:13 - Final thoughts and messages of support for press freedom advocates
Resources & Links


]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:23:21 +0000 audioboom-019dd9d6-6ce1-7141-9e62-fded389aa561 Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom 1: Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom. Episode 1: a conversation with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists https://audioboom.com/posts/8896687 1 Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom. Episode 1: a conversation with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists 2868 false full

Join Hannah Storm for this launch episode, featuring an in-depth conversation with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Here they discuss the critical importance of press freedom amidst increasing threats to journalists worldwide. Discover the realities of our evolving media landscape, the dangers faced by journalists, and the impactful work of CPJ in defending those who bear witness.
Key topics

  • The rise in threats, harassment, and violence against journalists globally
  • How changes in journalism impact trust and community engagement
  • The importance of local news outlets in maintaining trust and democracy
  • CPJ’s shift towards direct assistance, mitigation, and advocacy strategies
  • The playbook used by authoritarian regimes to discredit and silence journalists
  • The toll of journalism on mental health and the importance of support systems
  • Leadership responsibility in fostering organizational well-being
  • How non-journalists can support press freedom and advocate for information access
  • The resilience of the message: why silencing journalists never silences the truth

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and overview of press freedom challenges
 01:05 - The current dangerous climate for journalists worldwide
 02:19 - Misinformation, disinformation, and the role of journalists
 03:01 - Personal journey into journalism and motivation
 04:18 - Power of reporting to create change and impact policy
 05:16 - The role of local news and community trust building
 07:42 - Consequences of local news erosion and news deserts
 09:45 - The necessity of access to factual information for democracy
 11:05 - CPJ’s comprehensive approach: documentation, assistance, advocacy
 12:26 - Rising need for safety and trauma support for journalists
 13:18 - Addressing threats, violence, and impunity worldwide
 15:08 - The changing tactics in defending journalists and facing repression
 16:52 - Systemic impunity and the playbook of authoritarian repression
 18:55 - The danger of demonization and its escalation to violence
 20:53 - The importance of protecting marginalized journalists and diversity
 22:22 - Online harassment, self-censorship, and the impact on journalism
 23:44 - The toll of trauma, stress, and the importance of mental health support
 28:41 - Leadership roles in supporting staff and organizational resilience
 30:22 - Recognizing different stressors in journalism career paths
 33:42 - Self-care strategies for journalists and leaders in advocacy
 35:57 - The significance of purpose and belief in the work of press freedom advocates
 38:07 - Why protecting the right to factual information matters for all
 39:30 - How individuals outside journalism can support press freedom
 41:19 - The resilience of truth: why silencing messengers fails
Resources & Links

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:22:19 +0000 audioboom-019dd5c1-c96e-79a7-a279-e814947316dd Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom