Every year, May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day, and it is always observed in order to raise awareness of the importance of free media in society.
Freedom of the media has always been considered an important ingredient in a just and democratic society. This important aspect was recognised by the 1991 Windhoek Declaration before the United Nations dedicated this day to defending and deepening press freedom.
The day is also a moment to reiterate the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluating the extent to which press freedom is promoted and protected.
Further, it offers media practitioners a crucial platform to celebrate the principles of press freedom, assess the global state of media independence, and advocate for the protection of journalists in a world posing numerous challenges to the pressmen.
Theme
In 2025, ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’ has been chosen as the theme of World Press Freedom Day.
The choice of this theme was made based on the fact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have infiltrated the press world.
AU, EU celebrate
Various global bodies have joined journalists in marking this crucial day.
The African Union, in its special message for this day, condemned attacks on journalists.
“The Commission takes this opportunity to condemn all attacks on the media, which constitute violations of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The Commission reiterates the responsibility of States Parties to ‘take effective legal and other measures to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies,” it said.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed the importance of the freedom of the press in regards to the promotion and protection of democracy.
“A free press is the best shield for democracy. Journalists must be free to report without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation.
“The European Parliament will always defend and stand up for media and press freedom— not only on World Press Freedom Day, but every day,” Metsola said.
As the world marks this day, the million-dollar question remains: Do journalists enjoy enough protection during their course of duties, especially in conflict-ridden countries?
Is media free enough to report without fear of intimidation from authorities?