World Press Freedom Day, observed annually every third of May, marks its 30th anniversary this year. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly first marked the occasion in 1993, acknowledging the importance of a free press and the freedom of expression in a democratic society. Three decades later, while there has been substantial progress in the development of independent media and the flow of information, the UN warns that there are still dangers and threats to overcome.
“The proliferation of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the free flow of information. However, media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression are increasingly under attack, which impacts the fulfillment of other human rights,” the UN said.
It is not by chance that a strong republic is complemented by a strong press. Throughout history, a weak and oppressed press has allowed corrupt, inept, and dodgy leaders to rule with absolute power and no accountability.
The media and journalists, as the UN stressed, play an essential role: they help verify and disseminate facts, they create spaces for ideas to be debated, and for the voiceless to be heard. They also render complex matters intelligible for the public.
“Through their various platforms, media organizations, journalists, and media workers can reach wide audiences, including the most isolated and marginalized communities, and inform them about their fundamental freedoms, and how to exercise them. This way, communities who might otherwise have limited access or might be inundated with disinformation can obtain the information they need to exercise rights such as access to health, education, and justice, or to fight against gender and economic inequalities,” the UN said.
To put it simply, the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression are “drivers for all other human rights.”
“(Through the media’s) journalistic investigations and fact checking, we are informed about current issues and how these can impact our rights,” the UN added.
Investigative journalism around the world has uncovered criminal activities and wrongdoings that affect the human rights of citizens. Even in our country, without the space for a free press, instances of abuse and corruption by powerful personalities or violations against human rights such as human trafficking, illegal surveillance, or discrimination are kept hidden in the dark.
Therefore, the UN believes that “journalists have led to meaningful policy changes for the benefit of society” and “investing in independent public interest journalism is an investment in resilient and informed societies.”
In a fortuitous update, the Marcos administration has expressed its willingness to work “hand-in-hand” with the media to strengthen press freedom. The President himself assured media practitioners that the government will “protect them and their rights to practice their profession.” He added that his administration is “committed to work hard to climb up in the global press freedom rankings.”
In an age where news and information can be accessed 24/7, vigilance is necessary in safeguarding the freedom of the press. In fact, the UN’s call to action is for all of us — a reminder that the freedom of the press is not only the media’s responsibility alone but also of every citizen who values democracy.
There are always risks coming from forces who want to underpin democracy, and the best way — the first way, too — is to attack, demean, and weaken the press. The freedom enjoyed now can be taken away in an instant, like a thief in the night. Because in a society where the press is incapacitated, the circus comes to town and the hungry dogs are loose. And all other human rights can now easily be trampled on.