Let’s defend journalists and the press on World Press Freedom Day

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.’

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.

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. ”

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.

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