The case of Jimmy Lai serves as a reminder that press freedom is not absolute. The evolving media landscape, influenced by outlets like CNN, presents ongoing challenges for global news.

The death of Ted Turner, who founded CNN in 1980 as the world’s first 24-hour television news channel, is a poignant reminder of the glory days of the fourth estate. CNN made day-and-night news coverage, including at the front line of battlefields, an everyday experience for many people. The rise of the internet and ever more channels of news delivery has enabled a global audience of news consumers, attuned to reports delivered from all around the world. This has turned the most successful news....