May 3 - World Press Freedom Day:

Freedom of the press and expression

Ganga Pradeepa

Press have more power to shape and change the society and it can be made many ideologies. World Press Freedom Day is annually observed on May 3 to inform the international community that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. This day reminds people that many journalists brave death or face jail to bring daily news to the public.

Printed, as distinguished from broadcast or electronically transmitted communications. The print media include all newspapers, newsletters, booklets, pamphlets, magazines and other printed publications, especially those that sell advertising space as a means of raising revenue.

World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993 as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. This seminar took place in Namibia in 1991 and led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media.

The Windhoek Declaration called to establish, maintain and foster an independent, pluralistic and free press. It emphasized the importance of a free press for developing and maintaining democracy in a nation, and for economic development. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, the date on which the Windhoek Declaration was adopted.

Although World Press Freedom Day has only been celebrated since 1993, it has much deeper roots in the United Nations. Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Each year since 1997, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is awarded to honour the work of an individual or an organization defending or promoting freedom of expression, especially if it puts the individual’s life at risk. The award is named after a journalist murdered in 1986 after denouncing drug barons.

World Press Freedom Day focuses on the importance of the freedom of the press and freedom of expression. The international conference will gather prominent media professionals and representatives of major non-governmental organizations from different parts of the world.

This year, UNESCO invites participants to explore the enormous potential of media to serve as a platform for dialogue and a vehicle for understanding.

During the two-day event multiple issues will be addressed in relation to the main topic, including the role that media can play in inter cultural dialogue and mutual understanding by eradicating hate speech, ignorance and prejudices.

The importance of high ethical standards for journalists, in particular during a conflict, will also be at the heart of the dialogue. Another issue to be addressed by participants is the specific place that media has in promoting inter-religious and mutual understanding by an inclusive coverage of different opinions and values.

The celebration of World Press Freedom Day includes the award ceremony of the World Press Freedom Prize.

As they investigate sensitive issues, unveil disturbing truths and question policies, journalists find themselves in the firing line of those directly or indirectly exposed by their reports.

Facing harassment, threats of violence and physical retaliation, journalists across the world continue to dig out troubling facts, challenge the status quo and expose those who commit crimes. Day after day, journalists investigate and file reports on issues they know they could be sued or killed for.

Many pay the price. On World Press Freedom Day, the World Association of Newspapers will present the story of many journalists whose work upsets and can sometimes undo the powerful.

The World Association of Newspapers annually organises a World Press Freedom Day initiative to draw attention to the role of independent news and information in society and how it is under attack. A number of individuals and organisations have made this year’s campaign possible.

Media professionals

World Press Freedom Day gives people the chance to pay tribute to media professionals who risked or lost their lives in the line of duty. Many communities, organizations and individuals take part in this day through various events such as art exhibitions, dinners featuring keynote speakers, and awards nights to honour those who risked their lives to bring news to the world.