World Press Freedom Day
Every year, the 3rd of May is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day which reminds us about the freedom of journalism throughout the world. Mass Media communication is an important medium to convey the latest news and information on what is happening around the world. Respecting the media whether electronic or print media must be the main motive of the countries. The freedom of the media must be respected. To raise awareness for the same purpose, World Press Freedom Day is observed by the nations.
World Press Freedom Day 2023
This year’s theme is, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights.” World Press Freedom Day 2023 will also be the occasion to award the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, which recognizes and honors the contributions of journalists, particularly those who risk their lives to provide essential information to the public.
History
World Press Freedom Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, as per the recommendations of UNESCO’s General Conference. 3 May is the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek. It is basically a declaration of fundamentals of press freedom assembled in 1991 by African Journalists to promote an independent African press. Hence, it is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
Significance
The governments must realize the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day when media professionals must raise issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to:
- celebrate the fundamental beliefs of press freedom;
- evaluate the state of press freedom throughout the world;
- support the media from attacks on their independence;
- and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.”
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