Erased: Media Erasure and Authoritarianism

All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.

In an age where truth is under attack, authoritarian regimes are employing a chilling tactic to silence opposition: erasing independent media. By controlling narratives, they dominate political discourse, shield themselves from accountability and erase the stories that threaten their hold on power.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion with New York Times journalist M. Gessen, Anna Nemzer, journalist and co-founder of the Russian Independent Media Archive (RIMA), and human rights and democracy researcher and advocate Yaqiu Wang as they delve into the alarming rise of media erasure by authoritarian governments. Co-presented by the RIMA and the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center, this conversation will explore the devastating impact of censorship in the digital age, from the deletion of websites, controlling what can and can’t be said on social media, and the destruction of historical records.

Gessen, Nemzer, and Wang will not only shed light on how these tactics work, but discuss the ways journalists and writers can push back against media erasure, protect free expression, and fight for the truth to not be silenced. 

Don’t miss this urgent conversation about the battle for truth and independent media in a world where information is power.

The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

Judson Memorial Church is ADA compliant. The back door (243 Thompshon St) has elevator access to the space.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc= by April 21st to request.

Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc=

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc= for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc=

Also check out other Festivals in New York, Arts events in New York, Literary Art events in New York.