So many journalists in the ICFJ network risk their freedom – in some cases, even their lives – to bring us accurate news and information. As World Press Freedom Day approaches, we salute them for their courage and thank them for their public service.
As Guatemalan journalist Claudia Méndez Arriaza said: “Why do we need journalists? Because it’s like a line of protection…a line to guide communities, people and nations.”
In Guatemala, the government has launched a full-fledged assault on leading independent newspaper elPeriódico, jailing publisher and ICFJ Knight Award winner José Rubén Zamora. Meanwhile, across the world in Russia, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison on baseless espionage charges.
José Rubén, Evan and journalists everywhere must be free to do their jobs, providing the trustworthy news that free and strong societies require. At ICFJ, we support a global network of 160,000+ journalists to do just that. Their vital work strengthens democratic ideals and spurs change.
Last year alone, ICFJ worked in 119 countries, helping journalists:
- Cover the most critical issues of today
- Innovate to deeply connect with communities, and
- Build independent news organizations that thrive.