3 May is World Press Freedom Day, a time to celebrate the advances but also to reflect
on the challenges still ahead for a free media worldwide. In 2015, the day will carry a particular significance in the aftermath of the attack on Charlie Hebdo and a series of alarming recent threats against the independent press in Europe.
For many years, WAN-IFRA has been at the forefront of raising awareness of these issues both amongst the general public and the news profession. By teaming-up with like-minded partners who feel increasingly concerned by an issue at the cornerstone of an open, diverse, and democratic society, we hope to continue building a strong, active community – in Europe and beyond.
That feeling of wanting to contribute drew hundreds of thousands to a vigil in Paris on the evening of the Charlie Hebdo massacre to stand in solidarity with the values of a free press. The urgent need to do much more is what drove us to join with the "Difference Day [1]" organising partners, and in particular our friends at the Free University of Brussels.
Fear leads to silence, and silence kills democracy. This is why WAN-IFRA is supporting “Difference Day [1]”, and why I am delighted to invite you to join us in Brussels on 3 May.
We will be awarding the 2015 Golden Pen of Freedom during our World News Media Congress in Washington D.C. on 1 June. This year, exceptionally, the Pen will be honouring Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty. Prior to this, at the 3 May “Difference Day” event in Brussels, WAN-IFRA President Tomas Brunegård will be on stage with Anabel Hernandez, our 2012 Golden Pen of Freedom laureate, to pay tribute to these courageous men and women, murdered simply for doing their jobs. Together, we will rebut the attempts their killers have made to silence independent news media where it is most needed.
I am also proud that the WAN-IFRA Global Alliance for Media Innovation is directly supporting the incoming winner of the new iMinds "Press for More Award for Original and Better Journalism" to be celebrated during the evening.
Please let us know if you can attend the "Difference Day" by using the following link REGISTER [2]
We look forward to seeing you there and making the difference happen.
Vincent Peyrègne, CEO, WAN-IFRA
Visit the event website for full programme details www.differenceday.com [1]
In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. World Press Freedom Day is about freedom of expression, with respect for the broad variety of voices and views. Freedom of expression implies the respect for opinions of others. It recognises the difference in people and their convictions. To us the World Press Freedom day is therefore Difference Day.
