Thousands of newspapers commemorated World Press Freedom Day on Friday with a message that press freedom is more important than ever as the practice of free and independent journalism remains under threat worldwide.
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A range of materials provided by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) at http://www.worldpressfreedomday.org helped newspapers and online sites realise their own efforts to celebrate hard-won press freedoms, but also to recognise how fragile those victories remain.
France's La Croix featured a special front-page dossier entitled 'The Courage to Inform' containing interviews with prominent journalists whose work has made them a target for repression.
La Stampa in Italy featured an eight-page insert and online multimedia package highlighting the testimonies of inspiring journalists who work on the front-line when it comes to defending press freedom around the world.
Zero Hora in Brazil and The Hindu in India ran penetrating editorials on the theme of press freedom, while Canada's Globe and Mail produced a wide-ranging package of comment and analysis on the issues that threaten a free press worldwide.
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) promoted WAN-IFRA's materials to its worldwide membership of media and human rights organisations, with campaign ideas under the title 'Spread the Word on 3 May'.
In its exclusive 3 May editorial, WAN-IFRA chose to highlight the necessity of a media that holds power to account through the strength and determination of courageous journalists;
"Wherever you live, whatever you do, pause for a moment and reflect on what kind of a society would be in front of you, were it not for the presence of an inquisitive media. Who makes decisions on your behalf, and just how transparent is the process? This, ultimately, is why we defend journalists and a free press worldwide."
WAN-IFRA's 3 May World Press Freedom Day campaign website also hosts a range of striking AFP photographs highlighting freedom of expression flashpoints from across the globe, exclusive cartoons in association with Cartooning for Peace, info-graphics detailing the dangers of exercising the profession of journalism, and resources to help young readers engage in the issues relating to a free press. A selection of ready-to-print adverts is also available to download along with website banners in a range of sizes.
