The task

For the newspaper, create a public service advertisement that will make people aware of the importance of press freedom in their lives and how it is under attack. This advertisement can be for any platform of the newspaper (print, web, etc.)

Background

Newspapers worldwide join the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers in its annual initiative to draw attention on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day to the role of independent news and information in society, and how it is under attack

Audience

The reader of the newspaper or web page who will see the advertisement. This audience is unlikely to be knowledgeable in press freedom issues.

Objective

Our key objective for 2010 is to make readers aware that press freedom is a key element of life in any democracy and that in some places people are killed for doing news work.

Theme: Silence kills democracy, but a free press talks

This year’s theme concentrates on the general imperative of a free press for democracy, whether emerging or well-established. The campaign highlights:

-- the value of a free, strong and independent press

-- that there is no democracy without a free press.

-- Such a press reports, investigates and challenges.

Essential Element

-- World Press Freedom Day logo - available from http://www.wan-ifra.org/microsites/3-may-world-press-freedom-day

Background information about press freedom

http://www.wan-ifra.org/microsites/3-may-world-press-freedom-day - has visuals that can be used in a new advertisment (videos, cartoons, photographs). (English, Español, Français, Deutsch, Russki).

Other WAN-IFRA materials from past campaigns:

http://www.wan-press.org/3may/2010/articles.php?id=1368

http://www.wan-press.org/3may/2010/home.php?id=440

http://www.rsf.org - the website of Reporters without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières), which defends journalists worldwide. (English, Français)

http://www.ifex.org - a Canada-based consortium of press freedom organizations worldwide that tracks violations of the right to free expression. It is a good source for latest up-to-date cases and statistics.

Background about public service advertisments

http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?=596 - examples by a non-profit organization that creates public service advertisments. (English) 

>> HOW ELSE NEWSPAPERS AND THE YOUNG CAN PARTNER ON 3 MAY PRESS FREEDOM DAY.