The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large effect on worldwide media. There is some increased censorship and harassment of reporters in several countries. But there is also a growing belief in the importance of truthful reporting, media experts say. In early December, the World Press Freedom Conference met online to discuss problems facing reporters. It said some small news organizations were forced out of business and reporters in some countries have faced threats. But the group said the main problem for the news industry was an “avalanche” of disinformation. “Now more than ever we need news we can trust,” said Jesper Hojberg. He is executive director of the Denmark-based nonprofit International Media Support (IMS). He spoke in a video to the members. He also said that the need for truthful information has shown the public the “importance of critical, reliable information.”