Today, May 3 is World Press Freedom Day, a time to reflect on the value and necessity of free, unfettered media.

As the United Nations puts it:

“World Press Freedom Day acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to: 

• celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
• assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• defend the media from attacks on their independence;
• and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

The Science Writers and Communicators of Canada holds as one of its principles that we support “the democratic principles that protect freedom of speech and freedom of the press.”

Freedom of the press is precious, and it is precarious. Let us celebrate and honour the journalists who keep us informed and empowered.

Learn more about World Press Freedom Day here.   

Terry Lavender
President, SWCC