The independent media institution Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) has announced that it will cease operations effective September 30, citing difficulties with funding.
CMFR explained in a statement that despite Philippine and international support, “multiple factors have affected the funding environment, making it difficult for CMFR to secure the necessary funds for its operations.”
Founded in 1989 — three years after the People Power Revolution — the media monitor has served the country and journalists for 37 years, with programs centered on upholding press freedom, promoting responsible journalism, and encouraging journalistic excellence.
The institution was known for developing resources for journalists, having published numerous books and reports over the years that tackled topics of media interest and performance, such as a manual on media reporting, gender issues, and press governance.
They also documented and studied the journalist killings under former President Gloria Arroyo-Macapagal’s administration, as well as the Philippine media coverage of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
With CMFR’s closure, the country continues to see media outlets scaling back, with funding pressures and operational issues forcing them to reorganize, lay off employees, or shut down altogether. In the past two years, we’ve seen CNN Philippines shut down, the Philippine Daily Inquirer print merge, and more recently, ABS-CBN retrench employees.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJP) expressed its regret over the closure, saying that the loss of CMFR is a “profound blow” to Philippine journalism as it “leaves a void in an industry that needs accountability.” “At a time when the press faces mounting pressures from various interests, the absence of CMFR’s independent voice will be deeply felt,” NUJP said.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CMFR is a Philippine press freedom watchdog founded in 1989. It will close on September 30, 2026, citing funding pressures that made continued operations unsustainable.
CMFR announced its closure in a public statement on September 18, confirming that operations will end on September 30, 2026.
CMFR operated for over 37 years, founded in 1989. Its programs covered press freedom, responsible journalism, and journalistic excellence, producing more than 10 books and reports.
No. CMFR’s closure follows CNN Philippines shutting down, Philippine Daily Inquirer merging its print operations with Inquirer.net, and ABS-CBN retrenching staff over the past two years across Philippine media.
NUJP called CMFR’s closure a “profound blow” to Philippine journalism, saying it “leaves a void in an industry that needs accountability” as the press faces mounting pressure.
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