World Press Freedom Day 2008

May 3rd marks the annual commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the U.S. and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society. The U.S. commends journalists around the world for the important role they play, and for their commitment to the free exchange of ideas.

 

• World Press Freedom Day Supports Journalists Facing Threats

Mozambique will host May 3 events sponsored by United Nations

Global events marking World Press Freedom Day spotlight repression and violence against journalists. The day also reminds the world that free expression is guaranteed under the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. more….

• President’s Statement on World Press Freedom Day
“ Just and Open Societies protect and rely on the freedom of the press”
May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day. Just and open societies protect and rely on the freedom of the press. That freedom is enshrined in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, because freedom of speech is integral to a free society.  (See the full text of president’s statement)  

• Publications (by the U.S. Department of State)

Media Making Change  (December 2007)

New media technologies give average citizens access to vast amounts of information and broad networks of people. People can use these tools to pursue social and political agendas of their own making. This edition of eJournal USA shows how this new empowerment is influencing nations in various parts of the world.

About This Issue   
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Handbook of Independent Journalism (July 2006)

Journalism is both a profession and a craft, since journalists draw on specialized skills and adhere to common standards. So what makes journalism different from other occupations like medicine or law, which could be described in similar terms? Perhaps the greatest difference is the special role the news media play in a free society.

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Edward Murrow – Journalism at its best (April 2006) 

Issued in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2006, this publication showcases the life and career of eminent journalist and USIA director Edward R. Murrow. A free and independent media is one of the essential components of a democratic society, and Murrow's radio and TV programs provide excellent examples of how a leading reporter used his journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis: e.g., World War II and the McCarthy years.

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A Role of a Free Media (November 2001)

For a society to be considered truly democratic there should be a high degree of protection accorded to the expression of ideas in published form, whether the medium is newspapers, magazines, books, pamphlets, motion pictures, television or, most recently, the Internet.

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/democracy/dmpaper8.htm

 

Media and Ethics (April 2001)

The United States constitutional guarantees of free press and free expression have ensured a press largely without governmental regulation. This does not mean media without standards. In this journal, noted U.S. experts explore the central role of media ethics as the core values which shape the functioning of U.S. journalism.

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• Useful Links

U.S. Department of State -Press Freedom
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/press/

America.gov (International Information Programs, Department of State) - Press Freedom
http://democracy.america.gov/democracy/press-freedom/index.html

United Nations – ’08 World Press Freedom Day
http://www.un.org/events/pressday/2008/index.shtml

Article 19 - Global Campaign for free expression
http://www.article19.org/