World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day is a worldwide celebration of press freedom. The press is responsible for public reporting. People need to know what is happening around the world and in their own country. History is replete with cases of journalists who have had their rights curtailed or who have faced violence and threats. The holiday calls for support for press freedom and respect for journalists’ rights. It is celebrated every year on May 3.

History

Journalists are called upon to cover all local and world events. People need to know what’s going on. In fact, journalism was in a certain initial stage of its development centuries ago. It is known that the great ancient generals used to take specially trained people with them on their campaigns to record what was happening and to praise their merits. When they returned home, the articles were published and spread orally around the city. This is how people formed an idea of the past battles and changes in the state system.

The history of World Press Freedom Day begins in 1991, when a group of journalists from Africa presented a document at a UNESCO conference, according to which the basis for free and independent work of the press was born. Two years later, the UNESCO General Assembly decided to establish a special holiday.

Interesting facts

• The real boom in the development of the press came in 1455, when J. Gutenberg invented the first printing press.
• The French edition of La Gazette was the first newspaper to feature commercial advertisements.
• The first scientific journal also appeared in France. It was called “Journal des savans”. This event took place in 1665.

How to celebrate

Congratulate your family and friends, if they work in journalism. Let them tell you more about their work. Have they encountered infringements of rights in the course of their work? Try writing an article or covering an event yourself. Try the role of a journalist on your own!

Tell about the holiday on social networks. Find out from users how they feel about the work of journalists? What do they think of the profession?

When is World Press Freedom Day celebrated in 2024?

World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 each year.

Observations