The 2017 Press Freedom Index world map shows alarming levels of red and black, the colors used to indicate a severe or even total lack of press freedom. Countless journalists, many cartoonists among them, face a daily struggle against regimes that try to silence them. Today is World Press Freedom Day, and to mark this day we have selected 10 cartoons that remind us of the power of the media, the responsibility  of the media, and the importance of press freedom for freedom in general.

 1. Spotlight on Corruption

The main role of the media is to be a check on power, Victor Ndula reminds us. Journalists keep watch to ensure that politicians keep their hands out of the cookie jar.

 2. Media Control

But to do that job, a free, independent and diverse media is vital. Because who controls the media, controls the people. Cartoon by Alfredo Garzon.

 3. Erdogan's Press

Many authoritarian regimes claims to support press freedom, a claim often contradicted by the inside of their prisons. Cartoon by Vasco Gargalo.

 4. Why is Erdogan Afraid of Cartoonists?

But why are authoritarian leaders so afraid of press freedom? Could it be the damage sharp pencils and pens might inflict on inflated egos? Cartoon by Tjeerd Royaards.

 5. Cuffed

At present, Turkey is perhaps the most notable example of media oppression. Cartoonist Musa Kart and his fellow journalists have now spent over 6 months in jail. Cartoon by Antonio Rodriguez.

 6. Compliant Press

Dictators would prefer a more supportive, compliant media, says Italian cartoonist Tomas.

 7. Journalism & Terrorism

Another group that hates any kind of freedom, including freedom of the press: extremists. Cartoon by Emad Hajjaj.

 8. Pinocchio

But oppression and extremists are not the only threat facing journalism. Fake news is undermining the trust that is fundamental for media to function properly. Cartoon by Dariusz Dabrowski.

 9. Ostrich Journalism

And media themselves have a huge responsibility to continuously search for the truth, to tell stories that need to be told, not just those that people want to hear, or that fit their chosen narrative. Cartoon by Latif Fityani.

 10. Target

Journalism is still a dangerous profession, but arguably more important now than ever before. Cartoon by Shlomo Cohen.

If you want to see even more cartoons on press freedom, visit our cartoon collection.