The role of the press and journalists is critical in any society, particularly in a democracy where the freedom of the press is celebrated.
Journalists and the media around the world observe World Press Freedom Day on 3 May. It hopes to harness and raises awareness of the freedom of the press and the importance of governments to respect that. In a democracy, a free press holds leaders and governments accountable for their actions.
This year’s theme is ‘Media for democracy: Journalism and elections in times of disinformation.’
.@UN Secretary General @antonioguterres welcomes #WorldPressFreedomDay stressing the role of media in “Speaking Truth to Power”.
This is also this year’s theme of Difference Day, in Brussels.
Join us tomorrow, May 3rd @BOZARbrusses
Register on: https://t.co/BnnqjuEUCB #DD19 pic.twitter.com/fLD8Gt5xQJ— UNESCO EU (@UNESCOEU) May 2, 2019
It's a thin line between truth and disinformation.
Know the difference. Always:
Identify reliable sources ✅
Analyze information critically ✅https://t.co/5AnzrkfWdi #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom pic.twitter.com/xJSJq70KgP— UN in South Africa (@UNinSouthAfrica) May 3, 2019
The theme is especially relevant in South Africa which is set to vote on 8 May, the United Nations office in South Africa tweeted that on this day, the truth and disinformation have become a thin line, people should read and analyse the information critically. Many voters and readers, in general, will be consuming a lot of election coverage in print and online publications, people need to become more critical of the text they chose to read.
The role journalists play in our world is critical. Support their right to work free from harassment and danger, in conflict and everywhere in the world. #WorldPressFreedomDay pic.twitter.com/Pxr0NIJDAc
— Steve Swerdlow (@steveswerdlow) May 3, 2019
UN Secretary Antonio Guterres said the free press is essential, “For peace and justice and that no democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. ”
No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. On #WorldPressFreedomDay, we must all defend the rights of journalists, whose efforts help us build a better world for all. pic.twitter.com/nas2ilN3qY
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 2, 2019
The United Kingdom office in South Africa, interviewed new Press Ombudsman, Pippa Green about the challenges around press freedom and how press councils work to help defend media freedom. Green said the press councils and press codes in the country focus on the quality and accountability rather than having a parliament get involved. Green added that it is important to have media accountability separate from government in order to be free.
Today marks #WorldPressFreedomDay @green_pippa from @PressCouncil_SA spoke to us about the challenges around press freedom and how bodies such as Press Councils work to #DefendMediaFreedom pic.twitter.com/pwlH4ZHuB6
— UK in South Africa???????? (@ukinsouthafrica) May 3, 2019
Without journalists, there is no journalism.
Without journalism, there is no democracy.Defend journalism on Friday's #WorldPressFreedomDay & every day. https://t.co/b6MFNEMs5y pic.twitter.com/zWf31dQSym
— United Nations (@UN) May 3, 2019
"A critical, independent & investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have…" #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom pic.twitter.com/aP0OLaj0Rv
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) May 3, 2019
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On this day in history: World Press Freedom Day was declared