Why Courageous Journalism Matters More Than Ever

By many counts, 2025 has been an excruciating year for journalism. Funding has shrunk; journalists continue to be targeted, harassed, and killed at record levels; and AI technologies have magnified the reach of disinformation networks worldwide.

Also in 2025, a sitting U.S. president publicly contradicted the findings of his own government to defend the Saudi crown prince, who was credibly accused of ordering the killing and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And back in May, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, declared, “People don't hate journalists enough.”

I am from Argentina, and I am a citizen of the United States. For the first time in 22 years living in the U.S., press freedom is under siege in both places I call home.

This is exactly why the Pulitzer Center’s commitment to supporting fiercely independent, courageous, and dogged journalists is stronger than ever.

Our grantees pursue stories that not only hold truth to power, but illuminate the complexities of the systems and structures that perpetuate injustice—from environmental crimes and global health disparities, to what drives the rise of authoritarianism, duplicitous diplomacy, and human rights abuses around the world.

Our global team of editors has the privilege to choose the best of the best projects that shine not just a spotlight on the issues of today, but a floodlight on the defining issues of our time.

The journalists we support:

• Don’t strive to be liked, but to get the story right.
• Dig deeply to uncover systemic harms.
• Report from the globe's toughest corners and bear witness to atrocities.
• Illuminate solutions.

In 2025, we made 230 impactful reporting projects possible in 97 countries. We then partnered with students, academics, artists, and community groups to ensure that those stories engage broad audiences and drive change.

At a time of extraordinary challenges, please help us continue to provide essential support for courageous truth-seekers worldwide. Your support makes it possible for us to remain fiercely independent, as we must be in these times. Make a gift to the Pulitzer Center today.