The world is hungry for truth across all aspects of life – and front line news journalism is an indispensable bulwark in our a world of info-overload. Yet, as the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day falls today, journalists face increasing barriers on seeing, capturing, questioning – reporting.
Andrew Moger, NMC CEO, in applauding individuals, businesses, governments and organisers of major civic news events which do fully value societal role of journalism, today said: ‘Those that seek to limit press freedom, to put journalists in the dark or to put them at distance from fact, or to limit their view, do a massive dis-service to their fellow citizens, consumers and constituents’.
‘Witness-based journalism is more vital than ever before as an antidote to those who would prefer control over perspectives, narratives and debate. Open up and give independent journalism, the opportunities to apply their professional skills to better inform societies. By doing so, society can create a future where freedom of expression and access to information drive the fulfilment of all other human rights.
World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3, serves as a reminder of the importance of independent, pluralistic, and diverse media in fostering freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.
As a leading advocate of protecting real news gathering, the NMC supports its members’ efforts to provide well-researched news on various topics, ranging from sporting and cultural events to political and global issues. The coalition recognises the challenges faced by journalists, who adhere to professional boundaries, legal statutes, and ethical standards in their work.
NMC’s manifesto outlines its unwavering belief in the importance of genuine news and the need for economic and public policy conditions that support the growth of news media organisations. The coalition opposes arbitrary limits on news coverage, rejects the notion that public relations material or subjective in-house content can replace professional journalism, and emphasises the essential role of on-the-ground reporting.
In light of the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, NMC urges the public, event organisers, commercial partners, and governments to value independent journalism and to support the media in their quest for truth.
About News Media Coalition (NMC)
The NMC is an international organisation that supports professional news media organisations. It aims to protect press freedom, independence, and access to reliable information. Visit the NMC website for more information on their mission and manifesto.
World Press Freedom Day Events
On World Press Freedom Day 2023, UNESCO organises a special anniversary event at UN headquarters in New York, marking the 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.
Find out more on World Press Freedom Day Concept Note and the WPFD website.
OSCE RFoM Sessions at World Press Freedom Day 2023
On World Press Freedom Day 2023, UNESCO will organise a special anniversary event at UN headquarters in New York, marking the 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom. On this occasion, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media will organise the following side events during the anniversary edition of World Press Freedom Day at the UN Headquarters and the Vance Center at New York Bar Association.
EFJ organises conference on journalists’ safety to mark World Press Freedom Day
To mark World Press Freedom Day, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) organises a conference at Bozar on 2-3 May 2023, as part of its Safety4Journalists project.
Westminster United Nations Association – Towards Press Freedom: New hope or false dawn?
The event, organised by the Westminster United Nations Association and the Centre for Freedom in the Media, featured speakers presenting practical solutions to preserve free speech and media freedom, including Karuna Nundy and Amberin Zaman. The goal was to promote unhindered journalism, open public debate, and free and fair elections.
Difference Day – Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter
The ninth edition of Difference Day will take place at Bozar on 3 May 2023. The theme of the event this year is ‘Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter’: the general heading under which Difference Day saw the light in 2015.
Difference Day always takes place on World Press Freedom Day, which was declared by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and remind governments to respect their duty to uphold the right to freedom of expression. In 2023, Difference Day therefore continues to honour people, institutions and organisations that make a difference in propagating and promoting freedom of expression, but without absolutising it.
World Press Freedom Canada – World Press Freedom Day Luncheon
On May 3, an armchair discussion featuring Anna Maria Tremonti and Irene Gentle will address online hate aimed at journalists. Tremonti is a renowned journalist who has covered societal changes, political upheavals, and armed conflicts, while Gentle has held key editorial positions in Canadian journalism. The discussion will take place at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and will include the presentation of several awards, including the Press Freedom Prize and the Spencer Moore Award for Career Achievement.
