The National Press Foundation joins with journalism organizations around the globe to mark World News Day, an international initiative to draw public attention to the role that journalists play in providing trustworthy news that serves citizens and democracy. World News Day takes place annually on September 28 to align with the UN Universal Day for Access to Information.
“At a time when independent journalism and press freedoms are at grave risk in the United States, the National Press Foundation recognizes the deep impact and vital role of fact-based journalism,” said NPF President Anne Godlasky. “This World News Day we commend the dedicated journalists and trusted newsrooms who serve as watchdogs, civic partners and truth-tellers. Journalism has never mattered more.”
Martin “Marty” Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post and the 2004 National Press Foundation Editor of the Year, said in an op-ed penned for World News Day, “the purpose of journalism, in my view, is to provide the public with the information it needs and deserves to know so that people might govern themselves. Embedded within that mission is a particularly high calling: Holding powerful individuals and institutions to account.
When there is grave wrongdoing, often no one but journalists will explore the facts. When there are no journalists to report on corruption, inevitably there is more of it, with ordinary citizens paying the greatest price. When no independent media exists to draw attention, those who possess immense power seize the opportunity to acquire more. Their interests are served, the public’s needs are not.”
To ensure access to facts on today’s most complex issues, the National Press Foundation provides without cost tools and resources for journalists – webinars, on-the-record briefings by top experts, story kits, videos, audio recordings, curated lists of resources and journalism best practices. In addition to trainings, NPF also provides awards and grants to support journalists, many of which are open for submission through Sept. 30.
Show your support for independent, fact-based news by a donation to support the mission of the National Press Foundation to make good journalists better.
