World Press Freedom Day

“We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.”- Barack Obama. Journalism remains a noble profession. Journalism is the practice of gathering, recording, verifying, and reporting on information of public importance. Although these general duties have been historically consistent, the particulars of the journalistic process have evolved as the ways information is collected, disseminated, and consumed have changed. For example, in addition to traditional media, there are now numerous social media platforms which disseminate news. As a result one has to be careful regarding the source of news. World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. The day is set aside to honour and uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom and serves as a global platform to assess the state of it worldwide, examine the progress made in ensuring the independence of the media and the protection of human rights, and recognize the sacrifices made by journalists who have tragically lost their lives while fulfilling their duty to inform and enlighten the public. The theme for 2024 is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” This year’s theme is rather timely given the impact global environmental changes continue to have on our planet. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century, the ratification of the First Amendment in 1791, the completion of the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858, the first televised presidential debates in 1960, have expanded the ways that journalists write. The most important difference between journalism and other forms of non-fiction writing is the idea of objectivity. Journalists are expected to keep an objective mindset at all times as they interview sources, research events, and write and report their stories. Their stories should not aim to persuade their readers but instead to inform. World Press Freedom Index 2024. Press freedom around the world is being threatened by the very people who should be its guarantors – political authorities. This is clear from the latest annual World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The five indicators used by the Reporters Without Borders are: Political, Economic, Legislative, Social and Security indicators.

The Americas. In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, more than half the countries in the Americas region have seen their situation deteriorate, particularly due to the fall in the political indicator. More and more politicians are stigmatizing journalists and the media in their speeches. On top of this, political actors employ disinformation campaigns, abusive prosecutions and state propaganda that openly foster distrust of the press and encourage polarization. This violence, combined with physical attacks on journalists with total impunity, is fuelling a climate of censorship in South and Central America. Jamaica. In the past two decades, freedom of the press as a whole has continued to improve in Jamaica. However, there is a growing gulf of distrust between government officials and the media that has contributed to a decline in institutional respect for press freedom. Jamaica is currently ranked 24/180 countries in the 2024 ranking. Countries World Press Freedom Ranking. Norway 1 Denmark 2 Sweden 3 Jamaica 24 Cuba 168 Trinidad and Tobago 25 Canada 14 USA 55 U.K. 23 North Korea 177 Afghanistan 178 Syria 179 Eritrea 180. The United Nations (UN) adds that awareness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis and its consequences is essential to build democratic societies. Unfortunately, in the Caribbean region our journalists do not pay enough attention to matters concerning the environment and this is problematic. Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change. The UN adds that ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide. In the context of the world’s triple planetary crisis climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution dis-/misinformation campaigns challenge knowledge and scientific research methods. Attacks on the validity of science pose a serious threat to pluralistic and informed public debate. Indeed, misleading and false information about climate change can, in some cases, undermine international efforts to address them. Dis-/misinformation about environmental issues can lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, as well as of women and girls, as climate change tends to exacerbate existing inequalities. To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions. Origins and Purpose of the Day. World Press Freedom Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1993, following a recommendation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s) General Conference. This milestone marked the beginning of an annual celebration on May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, which has since become a global observance of press freedom. Thirty years later, the connection between the freedoms to seek, impart, and receive information and the public good remains as pertinent as it was at the time of its inception. To commemorate this milestone, special events are planned during the World Press Freedom Day Conference, highlighting the enduring importance of this fundamental right. Significance The climate and biodiversity crisis are not only affecting the environment and ecosystems but also the lives of billions of people around the world. That's why the role of journalists is crucial. It is through their work, their courage and their perseverance that we can know what is happening across the planet. They work on the frontlines of our collective fight for the health of our planet and our struggle for livable lives. The significance of World Press Freedom Day is to mark and highlight the importance of press freedom, ensuring public access to information and government respect for freedom of expression. It raises awareness of challenges like threats, violence, and censorship faced by journalists globally. The day acknowledges journalists’ contributions, advocates for press freedom, emphasizes government responsibility for a supportive media environment, and protects media independence, all while promoting public access to information and freedom of expression. One of the most significant points that World Press Freedom Day addresses is that it puts pressure on countries that try to curb and harm the freedom of the press. It is a day to stand against authoritarianism. The day also shows how much we value the public service provided by honest journalists committed to uncovering the truth. The day also remembers and honours the journalists who gave their lives to keep people informed. Journalism is not a crime. Those governments that continue to censor and create hurdles for journalists to do their work must cease this practice. Additionally, on this World Press Freedom, let us stand with all journalists especially those who have been wrongly imprisoned and indeed call for their immediate release. Regrettably, 120 journalists and media workers, including 11 women, have been killed in 2023, announced the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on 31 December. Four of them lost their lives in Europe: three in Ukraine and one in Albania. On this World Press Freedom Day let us pause to acknowledge the sacrifices our journalists and media workers continue to make. On this World Press Freedom Day, let us recognize and celebrate their work in helping us shape a better future. Happy World Press Freedom Day. In the words of Nelson Mandela, a critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom #WPFD2024