Sunday, 03 May 2020 11:40
World Press Freedom Day: Advancing journalism without fear or favour.
Photo Credit:Istock.
World Press Freedom Day popularly known as World Press Day is one of the calendar events planned, organised and promoted by the United Nations, observed annually on May 3.
The day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the importance of freedom of the press. The day is reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
May 3 the World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020, "Journalism without Fear or Favour" and the sub-themes for this year are:
- Safety of Women and Men Journalists and Media Workers
- Independent and Professional Journalism free from Political and Commercial Influence
- Gender Equality in All Aspect of the Media
As per UNESCO, on May 3, national and local celebrations for World Press Freedom Day will take place around the world, which includes online debates and workshops.
UNESCO will launch a global campaign on media and social media channels, with a focus on "Journalism without Fear or Favour" in an increasingly complex media landscape.
Interested people can join the free live-streamed event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day 2020: " Difference Day Conference 2020."
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day.
The Day acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
Meanwhile South African National Editor’s Forum said the coronavirus outbreak has changed the way news is told and delivered.
This comes as the outbreak has forced newsrooms across the world to have a deeper focus on reporting news on digital platforms rather than traditional ways.
Sanef has taken the decision to commission research on the impact of the coronavirus on the industry and what is to be done.
World Press Freedom Day 2020: Quotes.
"The press should do what it can to minimise the abuse of power (self-scrutiny can help and so can competition), but we should also try to understand with clarity why and how press freedom can enrich human lives, enhance public justice, and even help to promote economic and social development." -Amartya Sen.
"We live to think and express our thoughts in writing. If an individual or government prevents someone from writing, from being published...it is as if they were taking their life." -Ahmad Zeidabadi
"As journalists, we are sometimes guilty of not taking cognizance of the enormity of the challenges and the responsibilities that we carry on our shoulders." -Geofrey Nyarota
"We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech- because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth." -Barack Obama
"Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose." - George Orwell.
"The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press." -Calvin Coolidge.