Govt urges ‘fair, objective journalism’ on World Press Freedom Day
The government has reiterated the need for fair and objective journalism in its message ahead of World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday.
The day is set aside to raise the importance of press freedom.
According to Reporters Without Borders, 55 journalists and four media workers were killed in the line of duty in 2022
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni said it is imperative that the press continues to embrace the principles of fair and objective journalism.
“In South Africa we have an independent, vibrant and free press, who help to verify and disseminate facts, create opportunities for ideas to be debated and for the voiceless to be heard. The media’s expression contributed to the many human rights that are realised in our country and it continues to raise challenges we face.”
Ntshaveni added that the need for trustworthy and fact-checked news has never been more important.
“In the era of mis-and-dis-information, we all have a responsibility to protect credible and bona fide news. Thus, freedom of expression, today, still requires steadfast and determined role players, to confront the real story versus fake news.”
Speaking ahead of World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a rallying cry for journalists and media worldwide.
"All our freedom depends on press freedom," he said in a video message, calling it the "foundation of democracy and justice" and the "lifeblood of human rights."
"But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack," Guterres added, addressing a conference held at UN headquarters in New York.
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