World Press Freedom Day UNESCO
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO , UN information centre for India and Bhutan along with Prasar Bharati organized a discussion on ‘Let Journalism Thrive’. The discussion comprised of aspects related to the safety of journalist across South Asian Countries. The discussion started with the launch of Report press freedom in South Asia by Shigeru Aoyagi, Director, UNESCO, Syed Muazzem Ali, High commissioner, Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi , Ujjwal Acharya, South Asia Coordinator and Rajiv Chandran, National Information officer ,UN information center.
For effective journalism it is important to provide safe environment to journalists. Especially for women, so that they can also participate in the decision making process in news organizations. Sonia Singh, Editorial Director, NDTV, says, “Apart from our physical security I think financial security for journalists is also a major issue. I think funding of an organization is essential because I think this affects the choice of our stories.”
“For peace to be lasting and development to be sustainable, human rights must be respected. Everyone must be free to seek, receive and impart knowledge and information on all media, be it online or offline. Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which journalists can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety”, joint message from Ban ki- Moon, Secretary- General of UN, Irnia Bokova, Director – General of UNESCO and Zeid Ra’ad Hussein United Nation High commissioner for Human rights.
“When we talk about journalism. I want to mention about young, fresh graduates in the media industry. I think good training is lacking in our country, of course we need young pairs of legs in our field but then I believe institution should provide at least the basic to the kids”, says Anubha Bhonsle, Excutive Editor, CNN IBN
