This year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3 will shine a spotlight on the role of media in elections and democracy.

There can be no democracy without freedom of the press. The media’s role is to guarantee access to free and pluralistic information, independent from political and economic powers. This is particularly true in times of elections when the stakes are so important. Today, however, citizens’ trust in media discourses is eroding dangerously. Media face a series of challenges which, in the long-term, could undermine their role as a cornerstone of democracy. These range from disinformation, the abuse of social media, growing concentration of media ownership and internet shutdowns to the jailing of journalists and violence against media workers in the most autocratic regimes.

To mark World Press Freedom Day, the IFJ has gathered testimonies from journalists on the front line of covering elections and standing up for media freedom. From Kiev to Kinshasa, from Brussels to Manila, they tell different stories but they share a common concern over the worldwide increase in attacks on freedom of the press.

Covering Elections Worldwide

Take action!

Social media

Join the global debate on press freedom around 3rd May by using #WPFD #WPFD2019 and make sure you follow and  tag us on twitter @ifjglobal an Facebook /InternationalFederationofJournalists

Tell us about your plans

Launch an event, organise a march around 3rd May to show support for press freedom and highlight what is preventing fair elections reporting in your legal system and daily routine. Tell us about your union's plans to get more publicity!

Publish the attached logo

As a sign of solidarity with world journalists use the attached logo on your own web site ahead of 3rd May

Support the Convention

Add your union/organisation's name to the list of supporters for a UN convention for the protection of journalists and media professionals 

Share our guidelines on elections reporting

Make sure your members are prepared for covering elections. Translate the guidelines in your own language and share them widely!

Donate to the IFJ safety fund

The safety fund a shining example of journalist to journalist solidarity, providing immediate relief to those in danger and need around the world. Donate here

 

 

 

Fight against impunity

Be part of the IFJ campaign for an International Convention dedicated to the protection of journalists and media professionals: add your name to the signatories!