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On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, IREX would like to recognize the thousands of journalists, media workers, and media outlets with whom we have the honor to work as friends and colleagues. Without their hard work, without the risks they take every day, and without their dedication and sacrifice, more citizens throughout the world would be deprived of the vital news and information they need to actively participate in the development of their neighborhoods, towns, countries, and regions.
Yet, media and journalists throughout the world continue to face serious challenges. First and foremost is the threat to journalists and media workers. In 2008, the Committee to Protect Journalists found that 41 journalists were killed in direct connection to their work. An additional 22 deaths of journalists in 2008 are under investigation by CPJ to determine the motives. Additionally, CPJ found 125 journalists imprisoned for the work in 2008, with on-line journalists comprising the highest percentage of those jailed for the first time.
World Press Freedom Day 2009 focuses on the potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation. Whether in conflict or post-conflict zones, transitioning states, democracies, or autocratic states, journalists and media outlets who report truthfully, comprehensively, and professionally on issues facing society should be appreciated, supported, and protected by their audience and communities. They play a vital role in dialogue, reconciliation, societal development, and the practice of good governance.
Press Freedom Resources
IREX’s Media Sustainability Index (MSI)
Committee to Protect Journalists
Global Forum for Media Development
International Federation of Journalists
International News Safety Institute
UNESCO World Press Freeedom Day 2009
IREX Observes World Press Freedom Day
STORIES
Press Freedom in Somalia
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, IREX addresses the issues facing media professionals in Somalia, and interviewed Zeinab Ayan of the Puntland Women in Media Association and Mohammed Barre Haji of the newly-established Radio Danan.
- Changing Attitudes, One Journalist at a Time: An Interview with Zeinab Ayan
- In the Midst of Conflict, Free Media Forging Ahead: An Interview with Mohammed Barre Haji
TV Production Fund Highlights Gender Issues in Middle East
| Interview with Kamel Mansari |
| IREX alumnus and executive editor of Le Jeune Independent newspaper in Algeria Kamel Mansari speaks to IREX staff about managing a newspaper in his country. |
| Iraqi Press Center Fosters Media-Government Dialogue in Run-up to Provincial Elections |
| IREX presents a brief video about Iraq's Independent Higher Electoral Commission (IHEC) Press Center, supported by IREX, IFES, and UNAMI with the cooperation of IHEC and the media community in Iraq. |
EVENTS
World Press Freedom Day Conference in Iraq
Supported by IREX, UNESCO, UNDP, and SIMI, the May 3 conference features discussions of Iraq's media environment, status of press laws, and demonstrations of new media tools.
Kurdish Press Freedom Day
On April 22, discussions of media freedoms in Irbil were held and three awards were presented for professionalism in reporting.
News Media Stylebook Unveiled in Jordan
IREX's Jordan Media Strengthening Program on May 3 will launch the Jordan News Media Stylebook. The comprehensive style guide--it covers print, broadcast, and online media--was produced by Abu Mahjoob for Creative Productions, which worked with IREX on a Get Out the Vote Campaign ahead of the 2007 parliamentary elections and is currently working with IREX on a parliamentary TV show. Only a handful of media outlets in Jordan have style guides. With this new version, Abu Mahjoob and IREX hope media outlets will be able to adapt the guide to their needs. The bilingual guide is written in Arabic and English. Topics include newswriting, newspaper design, writing for radio and television, and conducting Web research. The stylebook is available for download below
