Opinion: Travelling to the US never used to worry me. It does now

I’ve been preparing a few of our journalists for trips to the US recently. The advice I’ve had to give them has left me shaking my head. Instead of reminding them to pack their passport, I’m telling them they need to leave their usual phone and laptop.

Trump’s administration has made journalists a target. The Committee to Protect Journalists has warned that any of us entering the US could be questioned about our plans and motives, have our devices seized and searched, maybe even turned away. Just a few days ago, the US Justice Department made it easier for prosecutors investigating a government leak to subpoena records and testimony from journalists.

Given that our job involves dealing with confidential sources who are risking their freedom or career, this is serious. Nothing is more important to us than keeping our sources safe.

The CPJ also warns that border agents may take particular interest “if your work covers politically sensitive issues that the US administration may view as critical or hostile”. It reminds me of my trips to the dictatorships of Equatorial Guinea or Zimbabwe, where trying to expose the abuses of government made me feel like a criminal, evading the law.

Today is World Press Freedom Day, which makes all of this more pertinent. Media freedom underpins any kind of democratic order. Without it, citizens are denied the information that they need to decide who to vote for. It’s the most effective deterrent against corruption.

Around the world, four times as many journalists are imprisoned today than was the case 25 years ago, according to the CPJ. More journalists were killed last year than ever before; most of them Palestinians killed by the Israeli army.

We have much to worry about in the media. Business models are at sixes and sevens. We struggle to truly serve those who need us most. We’ve got a long way to go on inclusivity.

But the erosion of our basic right to report what’s happening is something that should concern everyone. Trump’s hostility will only embolden the autocracies known for killing or arresting critical voices.

But we have to keep doing our jobs undeterred. In fact, we are close to completing a major investigation into one of these very countries. This week, I sent out more than 100 emails to all the companies and officials involved in our reporting, putting our findings and allegations to them. Some of those allegations are aimed squarely at the government. And I know there’s a good chance that country will deny me entry next time I want to go there.