World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3rd each year. It's a day to honour journalists for their vital work. This day was established by the UN to raise awareness of the fundamentals of press freedom around the globe. By commemorating World Press Freedom Day, journalists and democracy advocates contribute to defending the rights to free speech, information access, and media independence.
World Press Freedom Day (2024) honours the value of free speech and journalism in light of the present environmental crisis facing the entire world. For democratic societies to be built, all facets of the global environmental crisis and its effects must be understood. Journalistic work is essential to this endeavour. When it comes to finding and sharing information about modern issues like supply chains, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change, journalists face many obstacles. It is imperative to make these issues visible if we are to advance democracy and peace on a global scale. In light of the triple planetary crisis facing the world today air pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change—disinformation and disinformation campaigns cast doubt on existing knowledge and scientific research methodologies. A pluralistic and well-informed public discourse is seriously threatened by attacks on the validity of science. Untrue and misleading information regarding climate change can, in fact, occasionally jeopardise global efforts to combat it.
Since climate change tends to exacerbate already-existing inequalities, disinformation and misinformation about environmental issues can result in a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by the phenomenon. This is especially true for women and girls. Journalists must accurately, promptly, and thoroughly report on environmental issues, their effects, and potential solutions in order to promote sustainable development.
When you refer to press freedom, what do you mean?
The term "freedom of press" or "media freedom" refers to the rights granted by Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution regarding the freedom of speech. By enabling citizens to express their opinions in favour of or against the actions of the government, it fosters independent journalism and advances democracy. Following the Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras case, which brought attention to the significance of the media as the cornerstone of all democratic organisations, Article 19 came to light. Nonetheless, it rejected the case and acknowledged "public safety and public order" in accordance with Article 9 (1-A).
In Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) (P) Ltd. v. Union of India, Venkataramiah J. of the Supreme Court of India declared: "In today's free world, freedom of the press is the heart of social and political intercourse." In the developing world, where television and other forms of modern communication are still unavailable to some segments of the population, the press has taken on the role of public educator, enabling widespread access to both formal and non-formal education. A democratic electorate (Government) cannot make responsible decisions without the publication of facts and opinions, which the press exists to promote. Newspapers, as aggregators of news and opinions relevant to public administration, frequently publish content that authorities such as governments would find objectionable.
In India, press and media freedom is widely acknowledged. According to Article 19(2), it is subject to reasonable limitations in order to ensure the security of the country's citizens. "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of borders," reads Article 19, which is the declaration's central clause.
Theme
World Press Freedom Day (2024) will have "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis" as its main theme. The date of celebration for this important day is May 3, 2024.
World Press Freedom Day's past
The "Windhoek Declaration" was drafted by a group of African journalists who convened in Namibia in 1991 to promote a free and independent press. World Press Freedom Day was formally instituted by the UN in 1993 as a reaction to attacks on journalists during African Civil Wars.
According to UNESCO, the freedom of the press and expression is the main concept behind this day. This makes understanding-based communication possible, which is essential for establishing long-lasting peace in today's societies. This day serves as a reminder that many nations still punish, censor, and even harm journalists.
Purpose
Governments are reminded on May 3rd of the importance of upholding their pledge to press freedom. Media professionals use the day to reflect on matters related to professional ethics and press freedom. It's a chance to:
honour the core values of press freedom;
evaluate the status of press freedom globally;
protect the media from attacks on their objectivity; and
pay respect to journalists who have died while performing their jobs.
