Media is a mirror of society. Nowadays, you can know about what is happening in the country and the world while sitting at home. But journalists have to take a lot of risks to make this information come to you. They are often attacked. It is very important to get freedom for the voice of journalists who risk their lives, so that they can do their work well and with transparency. For this purpose, World Press Independence Day is celebrated every year on 3 May. Learn here how the beginning of this day, what is its importance
History of World Press Independence Day
In 1991, African journalists raised their voice for the freedom of the press for the first time. On May 3, these journalists released a statement on the principles of press freedom, which is also known as Window Declaration. Two years later, in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate World Press Independence Day for the first time. Since then, World Press Independence Day is celebrated every year on 3 May.
Importance of World Press Independence Day and UNESCO Award
The Gilromo Cano World Press Independence Award is presented by UNESCO on 3 May every year. The award honors an individual, organization or institution that has made outstanding contribution in the preservation and promotion of the freedom of the press anywhere in the world. On this day many programs are organized in schools and colleges. Discussions and debates are held on various topics related to journalism. Seminars are organized at many places. We hear about the oppression of journalists every day. Journalists work to inform the public by risking themselves and sometimes there are reports of their murder. Many times an attempt is made to suppress his voice. Therefore, this day is celebrated to fight against all these injustice and respect journalists and their work.
World Press Independence Day 2025 is the theme “Reporting in a courageous new world – the impact of artificial intelligence on press freedom and media”. This topic highlights how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging journalism, media administration and press freedom. It focuses on both opportunities and risks generated by AI, including the spread of reporting to the spread of misinformation, prejudice in the AI algorithm and threats for the safety and freedom of journalism.
