News

Top 2017 New Year’s resolution: help keep the British press free

A public consultation launched by the UK government and ending on 10 January could have chilling consequences to press freedom both in Britain and around the world. We encourage all those passionate about freedom of expression to make their voice heard by joining the campaign #FreethePress.

Greater protections demanded for women journalists

WAN-IFRA, in conjunction with the FOJO Media Institute, are calling on media worldwide to support stronger protections for women journalists in a text released to mark the 250th anniversary celebrations of Sweden’s ‘Freedom of the Press Act’, the first of its kind in the world.

#EndImpunity, #Again

2nd November, the internationally designated day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, rolls around again with little sign of improvement in the number of cases resolved.

‘My Killers are Still Free’ campaign to add pressure in fight for justice for murdered journalists

2 November marks the International Day to #ENDimpunity for Crimes Against Journalists. While an increasing number of countries responded to UNESCO’s requests for information on judicial standings of cases involving killed journalists, the report also reveals a global standstill for punishing these atrocities.

Getting away with murder: CPJ’s grim index of impunity

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released its annual Global Impunity Index, appropriately entitled Getting Away with Murder to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2. The data points to a rise of extremist groups targeting media personnel with few governments committing to overhaul or even acknowledge these injustices.

Help draw attention to culture of impunity around journalists’ killings

More than 800 journalists have been killed in the line of duty over the past decade. In nine out of 10 cases, no punishment is served. The International Day to End Impunity (November 2) is an opportunity to make noise about this issue and hold governments to account.

One woman’s pursuit to advance journalism in the Middle East

Fatemah Farag wears many hats: she is the founder and director of community media network Welad ElBalad Media, a board member of the World Editors Forum, a member of the steering committee and Director of Advocacy of WAN-IFRA’s Women in News initiative and a Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow. Yet all her roles have the same goal – advancing journalism in the Middle East.

South African Journalists’ Jobs in Limbo over Broadcaster Protest Ban

Journalists, civil society groups and the ruling ANC party have gone head to head with South Africa’s public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), since May, when the broadcaster announced that it would no longer air footage of the destruction of public property during protests. The ban has caused a public uproar, with many accusing the broadcaster – the country’s largest – of censorship.

Ceasefire Brings Hope to Colombian Journalists

Colombia’s constitutional court is moving ahead with a national referendum on a peace deal with FARC rebels, one month after the two sides signed a landmark ceasefire agreement in Havana. The country hopes the ceasefire will end half a century of discord, and move towards a deal that would see the disarmament and demobilization of rebels, and more regional stability. For journalists reporting in FARC-controlled regions, the ceasefire also offers hope of increased safety and an end to media censorship.

Zambian Post staff flee temporary newsroom amid threats of attack

The Post, the biggest independent newspaper in Zambia, has had to evacuate its journalists from their make-shift newsroom, yesterday, after threats of attacks by cadres of the ruling party, the Patriotic Front. The paper has faced ongoing threats – direct and indirect – from government ahead of elections next month. Last month the printing press was shut down and executives were arrested (and assaulted) on tax-related charges.