Importance
Freedom of the press is
significant for keeping people informed. A free press monitors the
administration and forces them to work for the betterment of the country.
The press acts as a medium of
communication between the government and the people. The free press has a huge
responsibility of reporting the truth and shaping people's opinions. Hence to
mark the importance of the press, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every
year.
Observance
World Press Freedom Day popularly
known as World Press Day is one of the calendar events planned, organised and
promoted by the United Nations, observed annually on May 3. The day is
celebrated to raise awareness regarding the importance of freedom of the press.
The day is reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom
and professional ethics.
May 3rd, the World Press Freedom
Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or
abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those
journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.
Theme
One of the themes of World Press
Freedom Day says, "Journalism without Fear or Favour."
History
World Press Freedom Day was
proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the
recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated
as World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.