World Press Freedom Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 09, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
World Press Freedom Day is an annually recurring event.

Where is World Press Freedom Day celebrated?

As the name suggests, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated by nations all over the world, especially democratic countries.

Who is World Press Freedom Day celebrated by?

Residents of nations across the globe celebrate this day. People belonging to all races and nationalities can observe the day.

When did World Press Freedom Day first start?

It was December 1993 when the United Nations first proclaimed the celebration of May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. This date was chosen to pay tribute to the Declaration of Windhoek which was proposed by African journalists as a list of principles regarding the freedom of the press.

Who started World Press Freedom Day?

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) started World Press Freedom Day.

History And Timeline

The history of the freedom of the press holds special relevance in the field of human rights. Let us take a look at some important years in this regard.

First Defence Of Press Freedom

John Milton, a poet, in his pamphlet named Aeropagitica, defended the press for the first time. This came out when the British government passed a law requiring all publications to be priorly approved.

1644

Constitution Of First Amendment

The US Constitution came up with the First Amendment. It allowed ideas, opinions, and information to be free of government interference.

1791

The Windhoek Declaration

In 1991 African journalists put forward the Windhoek Declaration which was a list of principles relating to the freedom of the press.

1991

Allocation Of World Press Freedom Day

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared May 3 as the World Press Freedom Day in December 1993. Since then World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year.

1993

Windhoek Declaration's 30th Anniversary

Last year May 3 marked 30 years of the historical Windhoek Declaration. It was this declaration that set the wheels turning for plurality and independence of journalists all over the world.

May 3, 2021

Traditions And Customs

There are no set customs or traditions to mark this day. Journalists all around the world aim to bring news to the audience and aim towards the greater public good. This thought of the public good is something that helps media personnel in ensuring transparency in their work.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate World Press Freedom Day

There are a lot of different ways in which you can celebrate World Press Freedom Day. Most digital or internet companies celebrate journalists by holding an academic conference, or regional seminars and films screenings. Legal experts also celebrate this day as it is closely linked to their profession too.

Facts And Stats

  • MIL (Media and Information Literacy) can help the public to understand the importance of journalism and its role in the public good. Hence, it is often used by internet companies, therefor general awareness about the press is spread on this day.
  • The 26th general session of the United Nations first proposed May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day. Later United Nations made the declaration in 1993.
  • World Press Freedom Day advocates that all information is and should be put forward for the public good.

What are some reasons for celebrating World Press Freedom Day?

This day is celebrated to establish and remind organizations of the freedom of speech of news media.

Who invented the concept of World Press Freedom Day?

The United Nations General Assembly or UNGA, declared May 3 as the World Press Freedom Day. Even though this happened in 1993, it was in an earlier session of the UN in 1991 when the idea of the day was proposed.

What do authorities say about World Press Freedom Day?

Authorities from different nations support the celebration of press freedom day. They unanimously support free speech in journalism.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, May 03, 2020
  • Monday, May 03, 2021
  • Thursday, February 03, 2022
  • Wednesday, May 03, 2023
  • Friday, May 03, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

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