Latest news with #WindhoekDeclaration
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kuching Division Journalists' Association urges continued reforms for media freedom
Teo said they laud Malaysia for improving its standing in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, rising 19 spots to 88th place, based on the latest assessment by RSF. KUCHING (May 4): The Kuching Division Journalists' Association (KDJA) has called for continued reforms to promote media freedom, in conjunction with the World Press Freedom Day yesterday. Its president Ronnie Teo said they laud Malaysia for improving its standing in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, rising 19 spots to 88th place, based on the latest assessment by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He stated that the country recorded a score of 56.09 this year, marking a rebound from last year when it dropped to 107th with a score of 52.07. 'Malaysia's improved ranking is an affirmation of the resilience of our media professionals and the gradual reforms, aimed at strengthening press freedom. 'This progress signals a growing recognition of the vital role that independent journalism plays in shaping an informed society,' he said in a statement yesterday. Ronnie added that while this rise is encouraging, the country's press freedom 'remains classified as problematic'. Reiterating the need for continued reforms, he said issues such as media ownership concentration and outdated laws still pose challenges to true editorial independence. As such, he said this ranking should serve as motivation to push for greater media transparency, stronger protections for journalists, and the repeal of restrictive laws. 'A free press is the backbone of democracy, and Malaysia must continue working toward an environment where journalists can report without fear or interference,' he added. The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of the press' freedom as well as to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The World Press Freedom Day also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek in 1991. This year's World Press Freedom Day global commemoration focuses on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme 'Reporting in the Brave New World—The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media'. KDJA Kuching Division Journalists Association lead media freedom Ronnie Teo
India Today
03-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
World Press Freedom Day 2025 explores AI's impact on media and democracy
World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3 to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, raise awareness about the challenges journalists face, and remind governments of their duty to uphold the right to freedom of expression. The day honours media professionals who risk their lives to bring truth to the public and emphasizes the vital role of a free press in democracy and human OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAYWorld Press Freedom Day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation by UNESCO in 1991. The date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration adopted on May 3, 1991, by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek, Namibia, which called for a free, independent, and pluralistic press as essential to democracy and development. Since then, May 3 has been marked globally to promote press freedom and reflect on media independence OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAYThe day serves multiple important purposes It raises public awareness about the importance of a free press for democracy, transparency, and highlights the challenges journalists face, including censorship, violence, and threats to their encourages governments, media professionals, and civil society to work together to protect press honours journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution while media is recognised as a fundamental human right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guaranteeing the right to seek, receive, and impart information without OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2025The theme for 2025 is 'Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.' This theme focuses on how emerging technologies like AI reshape journalism and media explores both opportunities, such as automation and new storytelling tools, and risks, including misinformation, algorithmic bias, and threats to journalistic independence and safety. The theme calls for ensuring that AI supports public interest journalism and does not undermine freedom of expression or democratic WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IS OBSERVEDGlobally, the day is marked byConferences and panel discussions with media experts, policymakers, and civil campaigns promoting press freedom and journalist honoring journalists who have died or been signature events including the awarding of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to individuals or organisations defending press freedom under 2025, a major global event will be held in Brussels from May 5-7, focusing on AI's impact on media and press freedom, featuring discussions with experts and QUOTES ON PRESS FREEDOMadvertisement'Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose." – George Orwell'Where the press is free and every man can read, all is safe." – Thomas Jefferson'Freedom of the press is the mortar that binds together the bricks of democracy - and it is also the open window embedded in those bricks." – Shashi TharoorWorld Press Freedom Day 2025 is a crucial reminder of the indispensable role of a free press in democracy, especially as new technologies like AI transform how information is produced and consumed. It calls on all stakeholders to safeguard press freedom, support journalists, and ensure that the media continues to serve the public interest in an evolving digital landscape.
