World Press Freedom Day - May 3

➡️ Press Freedom Day, May 3 – Bringing Truth to Light in Times of Darkness

Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on May 3rd. It was introduced by UNESCO in 1993 to emphasize the importance of press freedom to democracy and human rights. It also highlights the state of press freedom around the world and the threats and violations faced by journalists in the pursuit of truth. Freedom of the press is a fundamental right, but one that is restricted and under attack in many countries.

Journalists and publishers face arbitrary arrests, censorship, and threats to their lives. 99 journalists were killed in 2023, 72 of them were Palestinians reporting on Israel's war in Gaza. This was the deadliest year for journalists in a decade.

The 2024 annual report from Reporters Without Borders revealed that the situation for journalists is becoming more and more dangerous as repressive governments seek to hide the truth from public knowledge. Those reporting on wars and elections are most at risk.

Threats to press freedom are a direct attack on democracy. This year 64 countries will go to ballot, the equivalent of half the world's population. 2024 is set to be one of the biggest years for elections in history. Voters simply cannot make informed decisions without a wide range of critical opinions and independent viewpoints.

The report revealed that the situation for press freedom in 31 countries is very serious, difficult in 42, and good or satisfactory in 52. This means that in 7 out of 10 countries the climate for journalism is below acceptable standards.

Independent journalism is banned in 36 countries. Even democratic societies such as Italy, Greece, Poland, and the USA rank low on the Press Freedom Index. Countries of huge concern for the safety of journalists and the dissemination of truth include Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and North Korea.

The top 10 ranking countries are all European with Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland leading the way.

One major concern is the rising threat of fake content which distributes misinformation on a large scale, particularly on social media platforms. The unprecedented ability to tamper with content weakens journalism and undermines journalistic integrity.

The systematic involvement of politicians in massive disinformation or propaganda campaigns was also found to be widespread and is a danger to democracy in almost every country.

A terrifying precedent for journalism everywhere is the ongoing case of Julian Assange. Still at risk of extradition to the U.S. where he could face life imprisonment, Assange awaits his fate in his fifth year at the notorious Belmarsh prison for exposing the truth about U.S. war crimes to the public.

As the first publisher ever to be charged with the Espionage Act, if Assange were to be convicted under these charges, publishers around the world will be in fear of similar repercussions. The implications for global press freedom, human rights, and democracy are nothing short of terrifying.

Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis

The climate crisis is one of the planets most pressing concerns. Visibility of the unprecedented issues we are facing is paramount to ensuring efforts to address them are implemented.

Since the beginning of climate journalism there have been significant challenges in obtaining and disseminating information on important issues, such as climate migration, fossil fuel industries, illegal mining, pollution, wildlife trafficking, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

Disinformation campaigns financed by Big Oil designed to falsify scientific findings and downplay the consequences of climate change lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action. It weakens international efforts to reduce emissions, safeguard our planets resources, protect vulnerable communities, and promote sustainability.

The role that journalists play in informing the public on environmental issues is crucial. Since 2008 over 376 million climate refugees have been created as were forcibly displaced from their homes due to floods, earthquakes, droughts, and other natural disasters. The financial cost of climate damage is estimated to be between $1.7 trillion and $3.1 trillion per year by 2050 (WEF).

These stories of loss, destruction, and injustices must be heard. Exposing the crisis is the first step to solving it, which is why we must protect and support the journalists who put their lives on the line to inform the public of what is happening across the planet.

Huge corporations, and politicians try to avoid accountability as they continue to put profits over people. They try to silence the press, citizen journalists, and indigenous communities who uncover corruption, greenwashing, illegal activity, and theft.

Environmental journalism is the most dangerous field of journalism after war reporting. Between 2012 and 2022, 1,910 land and environmental defenders were killed.

The increasing success of climate litigation has amplified the voices of these defenders, and encouraged more communities and environmental groups to turn to the courts. With more court's ruling on behalf of the environment, it is hoped this can be used as a tool to end impunity and ensure that companies and countries honour their environmental obligations.

To recognise the impact that environmental journalism has, this World Press Freedom Day has been dedicated the courageous reporters committed to exposing the truth about the world's worst environmental offenders.

"Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity," - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Press Freedom for a Better World

Representing a key pillar of democracy, we must support the brave journalists who despite major challenges are dedicated to informing the public with facts and inconvenient truths.

As important promoters of investigative journalism, whistleblowers especially must be protected, and recognised for their service to society and the strengthening of press freedom.

The public right to transparency and information must be upheld.

Better World Info advocates for freedom of speech, truth, internet freedom, and legal protections for anyone involved in the dissemination of accurate information. In the words of Julian Assange,

‘One of the best ways to achieve justice is to expose injustice.’

For related topics be sure to explore our guides to real news, exemplary journalists, and media literacy. German speakers should visit our partner site Bessere Welt Info for more information on Welttag der Pressefreiheit.

Author: Maximilian Stark 06.05.24, edited and translated by Rachael Mellor 09.05.24 licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

For more information on World Press Freedom Day see below ⬇️