World Press Freedom Day 2008
"...there is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press." --Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Remarks at the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Program, April 10, 2007
May 3rd was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. On this day, we celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, while also taking time to evaluate press freedom around the world. We also focus our attention on how we can protect the media from attacks on their independence, as well as pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society. The United States commends journalists around the world for the important role they play, and for their commitment to the free exchange of ideas.
Want to know more about World Press Freedom Day? Check out the following resources to learn more:
