09/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 07:12
2024-09-27. Tomorrow is World News Day, and around the world news people have been rallying behind campaign call to #ChooseTruth - by sharing our material, and their own initiatives - to highlight the true value of fact-based journalism.
by Lucinda Jordaan[email protected]| September 27, 2024
'World News Day is a day to pause, and reflect on the importance of independent and often brave journalists who make a difference in their communities and countries by providing the proof that leads to the truth.'
-David Walmsley
World News Day's inaugural event in Toronto in 2018 comprised some 19 media outlets.
This year, more than 800 news organisations and media support associations, representing hundreds more newsbrands from more than 100 countries, have joined.
Together with independent journalists, they have started sharing the campaign in Print, Online, across Social Media - and at specially crafted events.
Here is a snapshot of initiatives shared with us, from around the world:
'It is time to double down on facts.'
Also in South Africa, Arena Holdings marked both SA's Heritage Day, and World News Day, with the premiere of Power of the Word, a documentary on the life of and legacy of Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko, and his close friendship with Donald Woods, the Editor of The Daily Dispatch who exposed the apartheid government's attempts to cover up the cause of Biko's death. Commissioned by Arena Holdings, the premiere will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the #ChooseTruth theme.
"These contributions all enhance awareness of the critical service journalism provides, and are as valued and appreciated as we hope journalists will again be," says Cherilyn Ireton, Executive Director of the World Editors Forum.
Lucinda Jordaan