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World Press Freedom Day is May 3, 2006
The U.S. Mission to UNESCO is pleased to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. It is celebrated around the world on May 3, thanks to a 1993 UN General Assembly proclamation that followed a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.

The U.S. believes that freedom of the press is essential to a strong civil society and a healthy democracy. A free press informs and educates the public, provides a check on power and the abuse of power, and gives votes to the persecuted. Citizens must have the ability to express themselves, to debate alternative ideas and to challenge assumptions. A media that is independent from the state allows the peaceful expression and competition of ideas, on which democracy depends.

On World Press Freedom Day, we recognize the important contributions of a free press and honor the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives and their fortunes for the sake of a free press. Below you can find more information on the importance of press freedom, the story of Edward Murrow, an American reporter who used his journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis during World War II and the Cold War, and practical information on being an independent journalist today. (More on World Press Freedom Day)
 

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