The director-general of the BBC has stressed the importance of public broadcasting services, expressing concern that media freedom is under threat in many parts of the world.

Tim Davie gave a keynote speech on Thursday, the second day of a meeting in Tokyo of Public Broadcasters International. Britain's public broadcaster is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Davie said people have now entered a period when all those who believe in democracy will have to be much more vocal in the championing of the values that underpin it.

He quoted a survey by Reporters Without Borders that shows journalism is completely or partly blocked in more than 70 percent of 180 countries and territories.

He also said BBC correspondents were forced to leave China and Russia.

Davie also stressed that the goal of public broadcasters is to protect audiences from fake news and the danger of disinformation.

Public Broadcasters International is a gathering of public broadcast services, including NHK and South Korea's KBS.

This year's meeting brings together some 60 representatives from 26 countries and regions. The three-day event is to close on Friday.