World News Day: Collective Defence of Journalism #HoldTheLine
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World News Day: A Call to Defend Journalism
Table of Contents
Democracy is facing a global retreat, with aspiring strongmen undermining the foundations of free societies. A key target of this erosion is the press, as autonomous journalism is crucial for holding power accountable.
AG Sulzberger, publisher and chairman of The New York Times, recently issued a call to action at the 50th anniversary of the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) organization, urging journalists to defend their profession and demonstrate its value. This call is especially timely as world News Day approaches.
The need for solidarity among news media organizations has never been greater, especially given recent events. The fifth Global Summit on Disinformation addressed the ongoing threat of misinformation,while the US administration concurrently intensified efforts to suppress press freedom.
This is a final call to journalists, editors, and newsrooms worldwide to join the global campaign to stand up for credible journalism.
Why Participate?
World News Day aims to demonstrate the essential public service that journalism provides, particularly in an era of rapid misinformation. The campaign serves as a reminder that truth, facts, and journalism are vital.
by participating, you can:
- Showcase your commitment to fact-based journalism.
- Promote media literacy and information integrity.
- Access official campaign assets - including ads, images, videos, and op-eds – to amplify your newsroom’s efforts.
threats to Press Freedom: A Global overview (2023-2024)
| Region | Number of Journalists Imprisoned | Notable Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 75 | Increased censorship in Myanmar, arrests of journalists in China. |
| Middle East & North Africa | 62 | Ongoing restrictions in Egypt, threats to journalists in Yemen. |
| Europe & Central Asia | 48 | Pressure on independent media in Russia, harassment of journalists in Turkey. |
| Americas | 35 | Threats and violence against journalists in Mexico, restrictions on press access in the US. |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 28 | Crackdowns on dissent in Ethiopia, safety concerns for journalists in Nigeria. |