New York: World Press Freedom Day serves as a significant reminder of the critical role a free press plays in society, as stakeholders globally emphasize its importance in fostering democracy and transparency. The United Nations General Assembly marked May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness about the need for freedom of expression, as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day highlights the essential role of independent journalism in exposing corruption, addressing environmental challenges, and shaping public opinion. Stakeholders advocate for adherence to press freedom principles to safeguard journalists from threats and censorship.
Alina Doodnath, a reporter for Caribbean Online News Agency ‘Loop News,’ underscored the daily challenges faced by journalists in the Caribbean. She highlighted the importance of press freedom in advancing journalists’ labor rights and ensuring their safety against physical violence and inadequate labor regulations.
Marie Ngono from the Cameroon Tribune emphasized the need for African media to take proactive steps in promoting press freedom, which involves capacity building, maintaining editorial independence, and countering misinformation through digital means. Ngono stressed the importance of journalists’ self-protection and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in reporting.
Talibeh Hydara, editor of The Republic in The Gambia, and Mohamed Saad, editor-in-chief of the Brown Newspaper in Sudan, both called for stronger legal frameworks to protect journalists from violence and censorship. They highlighted the need for governments to prioritize media independence and transparency to combat misinformation.
Ghanaian Times Senior Reporter MALIK Sullemana and Marthe Akissi from C´te d’Ivoire both stressed the need for legal protections for journalists, including the abolition of repressive defamation laws and the establishment of strong penalties for attacks on journalists. They emphasized the role of civil society in supporting free media.
Ephrahim Bahemu from Mwananchi Communications Limited in Tanzania discussed the importance of financial independence for media outlets to preserve editorial freedom. He suggested exploring sustainable revenue models, like paywalls, to support quality journalism.
Eman Alshammry from Aljazirah Newspaper in Saudi Arabia reiterated the importance of professional ethics in journalism. She cautioned against crossing professional boundaries under the guise of freedom, advocating for responsible reporting.
Stakeholders collectively emphasize that implementing policies that support press freedom is crucial for ensuring journalists’ safety and the public’s right to information. They advocate for technical, financial, legal, and psychological support for journalists, particularly those in conflict zones.