2025 is shaping up to be the deadliest year for journalists and media workers globally, highlighting a troubling trend for press freedom. The ongoing assaults on reporters have surged, particularly in the United States, where tensions between the media and government have escalated under the leadership of President Donald Trump. This trend reflects a broader, coordinated campaign against journalists, which has resulted in a thinning workforce in the industry.
Press Freedom Under Threat
According to various reports, the number of assaults on journalists has reached alarming levels, marking 2025 as potentially the most lethal year on record. The hostile environment for reporters is exacerbated by President Trump’s frequent derogatory remarks aimed at the media, which have intensified during his second term. The consequences of such an atmosphere can be severe, with many journalists facing not only verbal attacks but also physical threats.
Outside the United States, the global landscape for press freedom remains equally concerning. Countries across the world have seen increased hostility towards journalists, making their work more dangerous than ever. The decline in press freedom raises significant concerns about the ability of the media to operate independently and hold power to account.
Hong Kong’s Sobering New Year
In a separate but equally poignant development, Hong Kong will enter 2026 without its traditional fireworks display following a devastating fire in November that claimed at least 161 lives. The city’s tourism board has planned a music show featuring artists like Air Supply to mark the New Year, but the absence of fireworks, a staple of Hong Kong’s celebrations, underscores the city’s recent tragedies. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, acknowledged that the lack of fireworks could impact local businesses reliant on holiday festivities.
Entertainment Industry Losses
The entertainment world also mourns the loss of actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., who passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness. Whitlock was well-known for his role as corrupt state Senator Clay Davis in the acclaimed series “The Wire.” His contributions extended beyond television to notable films directed by Spike Lee, cementing his legacy in the industry.
In a lighter note, celebrity couple George and Amal Clooney have been granted French citizenship, as confirmed by the French government. The couple, along with their twins, received their naturalization last weekend. Clooney has expressed a preference for raising his children away from the spotlight of Hollywood, favoring the tranquility of their estate in France.
Meanwhile, the late cinema icon Brigitte Bardot will be honored at her funeral in Saint-Tropez next week. Bardot, who passed away at 91, spent much of her life in the Riviera town and her contributions to cinema and animal rights activism will be remembered during the ceremony scheduled for January 7, 2026.
Musical Celebrations in the New Year
This New Year’s Eve, viewers can look forward to a star-studded lineup on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” featuring performances from artists like Diana Ross and Chance the Rapper. Additionally, the finale of “Stranger Things” will premiere, marking a significant moment for fans of the series.
Finally, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead the Vienna Philharmonic in their prestigious New Year’s Day concert, a role he earned after stepping in for a banned Russian conductor in 2022. This concert, broadcasted to millions, reflects his rapid ascent in the classical music world.
The events of 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and the entertainment industry, alongside a celebration of cultural milestones. The intertwining of joy and sorrow paints a complex picture as the world enters a new year.
