On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, this seminar unpacks some of the key systemic challenges confronting journalism and press freedom today. It also highlights exemplary practices and regulatory advancements aimed at addressing these challenges.
Thirty years have passed since the 3rd of May was designated as World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations. Throughout this time, this day has served as a poignant reminder of the criticality of free media, robust journalism, and the accessibility of accurate information to citizens worldwide. Its significance persists amidst the emergence of new and evolving challenges confronting journalism and informed citizenship and stands as a resolute reminder to governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom.
This seminar is conceived as occasion for a reflection and discussion on some of the critical challenges that press freedom and its democratic role face today. The initial interventions by the professors and researchers at the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom are aimed at triggering a discussion with all the participants on a range of critical issues, including:
- the profession of journalism and the safety of journalists in the environment frequently disrupted by technologies and undue influences by powerful actors;
- the economic fragility of media and journalism;
- the challenges of information integrity and regulatory responses to these challenges;
- the specific position of local media where various challenges are amplified due to the close ties of local actors.
This seminar welcomes anyone interested in media freedom, journalism, and freedom of expression, including academics, journalists, media professionals, policymakers, and civil society representatives.