A record 129 journalists and media workers were killed globally in 2025, marking the deadliest year on record, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Read More: 124 journalists killed, most by Israel, in deadliest year for reporters
The organization said this was the second consecutive year that journalist fatalities reached historic highs, highlighting growing dangers faced by media professionals worldwide. CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg warned that such losses threaten public access to reliable information and weaken press freedom globally.
More journalists and media workers were killed in 2025 than in any other year since CPJ began collecting data more than three decades ago. At least 129 journalists and media workers were killed, two-thirds of them by Israel.
Read CPJ’s #2025KilledReport: https://t.co/MGuI52CrV6 pic.twitter.com/xOWsOHlF8P
— Committee to Protect Journalists (@pressfreedom) February 25, 2026
According to the report, conflict zones accounted for more than three-quarters of the deaths. The majority of fatalities were linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, where journalists were killed during military operations involving Israel. Many of those killed were local Palestinian reporters covering the conflict. Israel has stated that it does not deliberately target journalists.
The report also noted rising journalist casualties in Ukraine and Sudan, where ongoing conflicts have intensified risks for media workers. The use of drones in warfare has contributed significantly to fatalities, with dozens of journalists killed in drone-related incidents.
Outside war zones, journalists faced threats linked to organized crime and political reporting. Several journalists were killed in Mexico, with none of the cases resolved. Killings were also reported in countries including Bangladesh, India, Peru, and the Philippines, often connected to investigations into corruption or criminal networks.
The CPJ report emphasized that a lack of accountability continues to fuel violence against journalists. The organization urged governments worldwide to ensure transparent investigations and stronger protections for media professionals.
Read More: Record number of journalists jailed in 2021: CPJ
The findings highlight increasing challenges for press freedom globally, with journalists facing significant risks while reporting on conflicts, crime, and political issues.