World Press Freedom Day 2006: Honoring Media Professionals Around the World

Daily around the world, thousands of journalists, editors, managers, photojournalists, publishers, and owners make a statement for press freedom and the power of the media simply by doing their jobs in difficult circumstances. Whether they are broadcasting at a television station in a transitional democracy, powering up a radio station in a country torn by conflict, or putting out a newspaper in the face of government repression, these professionals make the sacrifices to uphold the principles we all honor on World Press Freedom Day. In 2005, 47 journalists were murdered, and others were imprisoned or disappeared. Many, many more advanced media freedom despite abysmal pay, unheated newsrooms, antiquated equipment, government obstruction and countless other daily obstacles.

The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Media, Development and Poverty Eradication,” points to the power of the media. Far more than solely an essential component of democratic freedoms, the media can play a key role in economic and social development. Journalists struggle to unveil the corruption that condemns many countries to poverty; journalists bring societal threats such as human trafficking to light; journalists inform citizens of their political and economic rights. A professional and independent media empowers societies to address injustice, endorse sound development policies, fight poverty, and promote democratic freedoms.