Today is World Press Freedom Day

“Every year,” UNESCO explains on its World Press Freedom Day website, “May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.”

Themes of this year’s World Press Freedom Day include ensuring the safety of journalists and media workers; combating impunity of crimes against press freedom; and online safety.

Here in Canada, the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom will honour two notable Canadian journalists later today at its annual luncheon. Glen McGregor of the Ottawa Citizen and Stephen Maher of Postmedia News will receive this year’s World Press Freedom Award, for their coverage of the “robo-call” scandal that emerged in the wake of the 2011 election.

Meanwhile, the Guardian has posted an illuminating look at press freedom around the world. The chart in question was produced by Reporters Without Borders, an excellent organization whose work to protect journalists and freedom of information is well worth your support.

Posted in Social Action

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