US Consulate marks event to emphasise democracy, freedom of information
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A documentary on Joseph Pulitzer and discussion on press freedom by journalists have been lined up by the United States Consulate in Lagos as part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day which will stretch from 10 to 27 May.
America, the bastion of democracy, says it is committed to advocating for press freedom, freedom of information and access to factual and accurate reporting provided by independent media.
These elements are foundational to transparency and accountability in any democratic society, according to the US Consulate General which is collaborating with Media Career Development Network (MCDN) to mark the event.
The activities will begin on 10 May with a screening and panel discussion on the documentary Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People at the Ikeja American Corner. The documentary will be screened to a wide audience in Port Harcourt on 19 May.
Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People highlights how the remarkable man behind the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes became one of America’s most admired newspaper publishers and a crusader for freedom of the press.
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17 May
Reporters and editors will participate in a fact-checking workshop that will help build their capacity, deepen their professional knowledge, and equip them with skills to conduct investigations, identify reliable sources, and fact-check information.
Participants will also discuss issues, challenges, and opportunities for the local media to play a greater role in helping the public identify misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
24 May
There will be a press freedom panel discussion on the theme: “Journalism under Digital Siege: The digital era’s impact on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information and privacy.”
The theme of the panel discussion underscores the increasing role of technology, which can be used not only to disseminate information more quickly and farther than ever before but also for spreading disinformation and misinformation.
27 May
The press freedom activities will end on May 27 with a reception in honor of journalists working to fight corruption, holding the government accountable, and calling out abuse and injustice, often at great personal risk.
Discussion on state of press freedom
US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli explained that the events marking the 29th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day will provide an opportunity for journalists to discuss the state of press freedom, protection of journalists, and citizens’ rights to unbiased, accurate information.
“The United States considers a free press to be a foundation of democratic governance.
“We believe a free press must be fostered to keep citizens properly informed and actively engaged in the issues that affect them in order to hold government and other institutions accountable to the public,” he added.
Reporters, editors, students and faculty members from journalism schools as well as representatives from media development organizations interested in attending any of the events are encouraged to register using this link: https://bit.ly/2022WPFD
