threestreamsmedia journalist invited to contribute to World Press Freedom Day

A North-West University (NWU) journalism and media studies honours student and threestreamsmedia deputy editor, Elsje-Marié Jordaan (22), was invited to participate in an online discussion about press freedom as part of this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations.

The Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, along with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is giving journalism students the opportunity to participate in an online youth panel where teams from different countries will discuss press freedom in their countries.

Students were selected from the following regions and countries: Europe, Colombia, South Africa and India. Selected students, representing four universities from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, will explore press freedom and bias in their respective countries.

The countries in the map above were invited to participate as the youth panel in preparation for World Press Freedom Day to be held by UNESCO, the Government of Uruguay and the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Map: Elsje-Marié Jordaan

Jordaan is conducting a poll for a news story, to evaluate perceptions of mass media and press freedom in South Africa. She will also discuss the results of her poll at the youth panel. She invites all South African university students to participate in the study.  

World Press Freedom Day will be held by UNESCO, the Government of Uruguay and the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in a hybrid format in the Conference Centre of Punta Del Este, Uruguay, from 3 to 5 May 2022. 

According to UNESCO, the event serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom – “a reminder that globally, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered”. This year’s theme is “Journalism under Digital Siege”, exploring the digital era’s impact on freedom of expression, access to information and privacy. 

UNESCO’s core mandate is freedom of the press and freedom of expression. They believe that these freedoms allow for mutual understanding to build sustainable peace.

There will be other global World Press Freedom Day celebrations organised by UNESCO and partners, taking place on 3 May 2022.

*Please complete the poll at this link to share your thoughts about press freedom in South Africa.