Winnipeg journalist Melissa Martin wins WPFC Press Freedom Award
WPFC awarded the annual press freedom prize to Winnipeg journalist Melissa Martin, who took a leave in 2023 in order to live in Ukraine and write personal essays about the impact of the war on civilian populations. WPFC’s career achievement award went to The Globe and Mail’s Robyn Doolittle for her ongoing commitment to shining the light on issues that those in power prefer to remain shadows.
Read more and see pictures here.
Palestinian journalists covering war in Gaza win UNESCO/Guillermo Cano prize
At an international World Press Freedom Day conference in Chile, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano prize was awarded to Palestinian journalists who are covering the war in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza is having grave consequences for journalists. Since 7 October 2023, UNESCO has condemned and deplored the deaths of 26 journalists and media workers in the line of work, based upon information from its international NGO partners. The Organization is reviewing dozens of other cases.
The Taliban issues warning to journalists
The Taliban is warning journalists and experts not to work with Afghanistan International TV which is based in the U.K. The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and since then the media has not been free to report on the Taliban or events in the country.
Reporters Without Borders releases press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders released its annual press freedom index on May 3, and the picture is ominous. Press freedom around the world is being threatened by the very people who should be its guarantors – political authorities. Canada ranks highest in the Americas but we are not immune from political attacks and growing distrust of media.
