---
title: "Silencing dissent: Redi Tlhabi with Karen Attiah on voices under fire"
description: "Just a few days before World News Day – on 28 September – Redi Tlhabi is joined by American author and commentator Karen Attiah to confront the shrinking space for free expression. With Attiah’s own high-profile firing from the Washington Post as a backdrop, their conversation explores how powerful forces exploit polarisation, smear campaigns, and censorship to dilute truth and weaken journalism worldwide."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE READINESS REPORT"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-09-25-silencing-dissent-redi-tlhabi-with-karen-attiah-on-voices-under-fire/"
published: "2025-09-25T13:38:48"
updated: "2025-09-25T13:38:51"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 48
---

# Silencing dissent: Redi Tlhabi with Karen Attiah on voices under fire

> Just a few days before World News Day – on 28 September – Redi Tlhabi is joined by American author and commentator Karen Attiah to confront the shrinking space for free expression. With Attiah’s own high-profile firing from the Washington Post as a backdrop, their conversation explores how powerful forces exploit polarisation, smear campaigns, and censorship to dilute truth and weaken journalism worldwide.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 25 September 2025, 15:38 SAST · Updated 25 September 2025, 15:38 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where readiness is often just a buzzword, Redi Tlhabi and Karen Attiah dissect the real implications of preparedness, proving that sometimes, it’s not the plan but the execution that counts—preferably with a side of wit.
- Redi Tlhabi hosts a compelling episode of The Readiness Report featuring guest Karen Attiah.
- The discussion delves into pressing global issues, highlighting the intersection of media and democracy.
- Produced by a talented team, the episode showcases original theme music and design by Bernard Kotze.
- Support independent journalism by becoming a Maverick Insider and subscribe to Daily Maverick's YouTube channel.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvkFMkZnPRg)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/f45751c7-584e-4697-b01b-86f4644619e7?dark=false)

**The Readiness Report is supported by**

![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NinetyOne_Protea-Red_IFAWOC_HEXlogo_91.png)

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi
**Guest** Karen Attiah
**Produced by** Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a [Maverick Insider](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/).
Subscribe to Daily Maverick YouTube channel. @dailymaverickchannel. **DM**