JERAA Statement: Defending journalism is defending democracy

By JERAA Executive

September 18, 2025

The Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia (JERAA) executive condemns President Donald Trump’s decision to ban Australian ABC journalists from his UK press conference.

This unacceptable ban occurred in retaliation for ABC Americas editor, John Lyons, asking Trump a legitimate question about his business dealings as President.

Journalists must have the freedom to ask probing questions of powerful people without being barred, censored, intimidated or threatened.

When journalists cannot ask questions and report on matters of public interest, news media cannot effectively hold the powerful to account on behalf of the public. Freedom of the press and the right to question leaders are cornerstones of America’s democratic and political system, enshrined in the First Amendment and celebrated globally as a model of transparency and accountability. These values should encourage and not restrict the inclusion of any journalists, including from close allies like Australia.

When journalists are not free, democracy is not functioning.

At a time when many pillars of American democracy are facing crisis, and free speech is under threat, JERAA’s executive affirm that defending journalism is integral to defending democracy.