International Tibetan Media Organization Hosts Press Freedom Panel discussion

On May 21, the International Tibetan Media Organization (ITMO) hosted a panel discussion at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, DC, on press freedom and the role of independent journalism in countering China’s official narrative on Tibet.

The event, titled Press Freedom in a New Media Landscape: Independent Journalism and Challenges to China’s Official Narrative on Tibet, brought together Tibetan journalists, media professionals, researchers, and advocates to discuss the future of Tibetan media.

In opening remarks, ITMO President Palden Gyal said the event marked ITMO’s first public program since its founding. He said the organization was formed in response to the suspension of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) Tibetan-language services in March 2025, which he described as a major information gap for Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile.

Palden Gyal said Tibetan journalists and media professionals came together after the closures to explore ways to protect the future of Tibetan-language journalism, leading to the creation of ITMO. He said the organization is focused on supporting free and reliable information, promoting independent journalism, defending press freedom, and strengthening the work of Tibetan journalists and media creators. He added that ITMO has appealed to U.S. officials to restore VOA and RFA Tibetan-language broadcasting.

The program featured two panels. The first, conducted in English and moderated by ITMO Secretary Dhondup Namgyal Gonsar, examined press freedom in the changing media environment and the challenges independent reporting faces in countering state-driven narratives on Tibet. Speakers included Buchung Tsering of the International Campaign for Tibet, author and former RFA journalist Dr. Warren Smith, former RFA senior editor Rigdhen Dolma, and former VOA journalist Pema Dechen Gorap. Full video HERE. 

The second panel, conducted in Tibetan and moderated by Palden Gyal, focused on the current state of Tibetan media inside Tibet and across the diaspora. Speakers included former VOA journalist Pasang Yangkyi, Office of Tibet Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso, VOA journalist Tsering Kyi, and American Tibetan Network journalist Lobsang Gelek. Full video HERE. 

The event concluded with remarks by Tethong Tenzin Namgyal, director of VOA’s Tibetan Service. The discussion highlighted growing concern over the shrinking space for independent Tibetan-language media, while underscoring the determination of Tibetan journalists and advocates to defend press freedom and maintain access to credible information.