World Press Freedom Day: Freedom of Information

On May 3, World Press Freedom Day, please join with IREX in honoring the thousands of media professionals around the world who bring their fellow citizens the news and information they need to participate in their societies. Many work against great odds and struggle against repression to practice their profession, risking their lives to bring honest and uncensored news to their countrymen. In 2009, 71 journalists were killed and 136 jailed for their work, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. So far in 2010, ten journalists have been killed for their work. Many other brave journalists have been forced into exile, harassed, and threatened. Many more work in fear, with little or no pay, and at risk to themselves and their families.

The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is Freedom of Information. Freedom of information is a critical component in good governance and economic development. Access to information laws, a judicial system that promotes and protects the concept of open government, journalists who seek and impart information on a government's workings are all critical components of a healthy society. With freedom of information, business and economic reporting, investigative journalism, local government and education coverage all become extremely challenging. As IREX's Media Sustainability Index shows, media continue to face challenges in many parts of the world as they seek to play their role as watchdogs, providers of essential information, and sources of community discussion.

We are encouraged by the growing awareness of the central role a professional and independent media, citizen journalists, civil society, and engaged public play in developing societies around the world. Encouraging greater freedom of information promotes their work, contributes to good governance and economic growth, and ultimately improves the lives of citizens.

IREX also salutes the winner of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2010, Chilean journalist Mónica González Mujica who challenged Chilean dictatorship and endured torture, jailing, and court cases against her for her journalistic work.

For more on World Press Freedom Day, visit UNESCO's website.

Other sites on press freedom include:

The Committee to Protect Journalists
Reporters Sans Frontières
World Press Freedom Committee
International News Safety Institute
Media Legal Defense Initiative