New Delhi: World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on May 3. It is one of the calendar events planned, organised and promoted by the United Nations.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020, “Journalism without Fear or Favour” and the sub-themes for this year are:
- Safety of Women and Men Journalists and Media Workers
- Independent and Professional Journalism free from Political and Commercial Influence
- Gender Equality in All Aspect of the Media
May 3 marks the anniversary of Windhoek Declaration — a charter prepared by the association of African journalists to maintain the highest standards of reportage in underdeveloped and emerging parts of the world.
As per UNESCO, on May 3, national and local celebrations for World Press Freedom Day will take place around the world, which includes online debates and workshops.
UNESCO will launch a global campaign on media and social media channels, with a focus on “Journalism without Fear or Favour” in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“As the [COVID-19] pandemic spreads, it has also given rise to a second pandemic of misinformation, from harmful health advice to wild conspiracy theories. The press provides the antidote: verified, scientific, fact-based news and analysis”. -UN Secretary-General António Guterres
