(GNB Desk)- Every year, on 3 May, people around the world celebrate World Press Freedom Day. It is the day to discuss and celebrate press freedom, defend the media against attacks and recognise the efforts of journalists around the world who bring us information.
Today we mark World Press Freedom Day. Reflecting upon almost one and half years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is clear that reliable information is valuable and essential in crisis situations.
The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2021 is “Information as a Public Good” as it draws attention to the invaluable role of journalists in producing news as verified information for the public interest. Having access to accurate and comprehensive news coverage has never been more important.
Every day, journalists around the world work very hard on the frontlines to ask the right questions and get to the truth. During the work reporters often take great personal risks to bring you such stories.
In many countries, media persons are at risk while performing their professional duties. The day aims to acknowledge the struggles faced by the people in the media and is a reminder to governments to respect press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that the number of journalists killed in retaliation for their reporting doubled in 2020. The largest number of killings took place in Mexico and Afghanistan.
According to CPJ, globally, at least 30 journalists were killed in 2020; 21 of those were singled out for murder in retaliation for their work, a jump from the previous year’s 10 murders, while others were killed in combat or crossfire or on another assignment that turned dangerous.
The countries that jailed the highest number of journalists for their reporting in 2020 are China, Turkey, and Egypt.
“The United States condemns the use of partial or complete government-imposed Internet shutdowns, among other tactics, to prevent the exercise of freedom of expression online and restrict the ability of independent journalists to serve the public,” said U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken.
“On World Press Freedom Day, the United States continues to advocate for press freedom, the safety of journalists worldwide, and access to information on and offline. A free and independent press ensures the public has access to information. Knowledge is power,” Secretary Antony Blinken said in a tweet.
On the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day, President Joe Biden on Monday released a statement. President Biden said- “Journalists uncover the truth, check the abuse of power, and demand transparency from those in power. They are indispensable to the functioning of democracy. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists and media workers have been on the front lines to keep the public informed, at significant risk to their own health. And, at a time when the truth is increasingly under attack, our need for accurate, fact-based reporting, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.”
“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the fierce bravery of journalists everywhere. We recognize the integral role a free press plays in building prosperous, resilient and free societies. And we recommit to protecting and promoting free, independent, and diverse media around the world,” President Biden said in the statement.
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