Economic roots of media freedom: is income inequality a matter?

ÜZAR U.

International Journal of Human Rights, vol.29, no.10, pp.1894-1924, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13642987.2025.2531787
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Human Rights
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, EBSCO Legal Collection, EBSCO Legal Source, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1894-1924
  • Keywords: freedom of expression, income inequality, Media control, political economy, redistribution
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Although attacks on freedom of expression are commonly associated with antidemocratic regimes, they also occur in democratic countries. The erosion of democratic indicators such as press freedom over the past few decades continues to be a global concern. Unfortunately, erasing democratic principles is not the sole source of concern. The inability to distribute economic gains reasonably within society and the increasing concentration of income and wealth in a smaller segment is as significant a problem as democratic erosion. This study delves into these issues, focusing on the roots of media freedom, particularly income inequality. In this context, the study examines income inequality’s impact on media freedom in G7 and E7 countries from 1993 to 2017, controlling for key economic factors. Results show heterogeneous effects in both country groups. While income inequality reduces media freedom in the whole panel and E7 countries, no significant relationship was found in G7 countries. The differing impact may stem from varying democratic and institutional structures. These findings highlight the urgent need for global media freedom and equality solutions.