Press Freedom Day: Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Images, Date, and More

Introduction of Press Freedom Day

Journalism plays a major in our day to day life by sharing current affairs and useful information for us through various channels. Being a media professional is a challenging task. It involves the presence of mind and the ability to break comfort zones to cover and report data for different circumstances from different fields; Entertainment, politics, public welfare, healthcare, and sports. Passionate and courageous individuals step into the industry for the growth of social welfare and personal growth. To protect and promote the rights of such talent, Press Freedom Day has been declared. 

History of Press Freedom Day

Following an adopted recommendation of UNESCO’s conference in 1991, the UN general assembly declared 3rd May as World Press Freedom Day. The day was announced to shed light on the rights and sacrifices of journalists for their profession.  

Press Freedom Day 2023 Date

• When is Press Freedom Day 2023?

Press Freedom Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Wednesday, 3 May.

• Press Freedom Day dates for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027

Press Freedom Day Quotes

• What matters is the information, not what you think about it. - Anna Politkovskaya
• Where a free press is imperilled, muzzled, or banned altogether, every other freedom is limited too, and democracy itself is threatened…While we must recognise the danger of the mass media spreading false and ugly stereotypes, the solution lies in an ever-livelier debate in which racist ideas can be defeated. - Thabo Mbeki
• As unbalanced parties of every description can never tolerate a free inquiry of any kind, when employed against themselves, the license, and even the most temperate freedom of the press, soon excite resentment and revenge. - John Adams
• Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.  - Martin Luther King Jr
• Town after town has but one newspaper or one radio station. It is often owned by Murdoch. Yes, we don’t have as much freedom of the press as we think we have – although the traditional freedom of speech is strongly rooted in American culture.- Pete Seeger
• We must also pause to question what press freedom must not do: It cannot be used to promote gender violence, to extol terrorism, to deny human rights, to encourage religious or racial bigotry and above all to be a tool for genocide… - E. John Dramani Mahama, Former President of the Republic of Ghana
• The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press. - Calvin Coolidge
• History has given me the choice of a pen - Gao Yu. Wish you a Happy World Press Freedom Day 2020
• As people get their opinions so largely from the newspapers they read, the corruption of the schools would not matter so much if the Press were free. But the Press is not free. As it costs at least a quarter of a million of money to establish a daily newspaper in London, the newspapers are owned by rich men. And they depend on the advertisements of other rich men. Editors and journalists who express opinions in print that are opposed to the interests of the rich are dismissed and replaced by subservient ones. - George Bernard Shaw
• We live to think annd express our thoughts in writing. If an individual or government prevents someone from writing, from being published...it is as if they were taking their life - Ahmad Zeidabadi
• The greatest challenge to media freedom is self-induced: Putting out content that has little regard for what audiences and readers want; disregarding the ethics of the profession; not maintaining high professional standards; and not paying adequate attention to the business dimension of the news business. - Eric Chinje
• Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. - Benjamin Franklin
• Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose. - George Orwell
• Freedom of the press is the staff of life, for any vital democracy.- Wendell Willkie
• A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad. - Albert Camus
• Freedom of the press belongs to the people of a nation, not to the owners of publications. - A. J. Liebling
• The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press. - Ida B. Wells
• As journalists, we are sometimes guilty of not taking cognizance of the enormity of the challenges and the responsibilities that we carry on our shoulders. - Geofrey Nyarota
• Freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego. - M.K. Gandhi
• No prison is big enough to contain free speech. - Mazen Darwish
• The freedom of the press should be inviolate.- John Quincy Adams
• It is important to appreciate the role that a free and vibrant press can play in bringing the horror of racism to light, and inspiring people the world over to act on behalf of victims of racism, discrimination and bigotry of every kind. -Kofi Annan
• We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech- because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth. - Barack Obama
• Neither the chains of dictatorship nor the fetters of oppression can keep down the forces of freedom for long- Angela Merkel
• Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. - Thomas Jefferson.
• The press should do what it can to minimise the abuse of power (self-scrutiny can help and so can competition), but we should also try to understand with clarity why and how press freedom can enrich human lives, enhance public justice, and even help to promote economic and social development. - Amartya Sen
• If the deaf are to hear, the sound has to be very loud - Bhagat Singh
• Black press which up to now has been largely controlled and some of it financed by government institutions…Most of the Black press is being used as instruments of propaganda to get people to swallow most of the unbalanced and inflated stories. - Steve Biko.
• The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press. - Thomas Jefferson
• Freedom of the press is the mortar that binds together the bricks of democracy- and it is also the open window embedded in those bricks. - Shashi Tharoor

Press Freedom Day Wishes

• We live to think annd express our thoughts in writing. If an individual or government prevents someone from writing, from being published…it is as if they were taking their life.
• A free press is a vital need for a free society, free debate, and free ideas. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. — Thomas Jefferson
• Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose.— George Orwell
• What matters is the information, not what you think about it.— Anna Politkovskaya
• Journalism can never be silent. It is the voice of society and it needs to be free. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• Freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego.
• Don’t suffocate the rights of a free press. Let them be free and speak to save the community. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Don’t let anyone silence the voice of society and the people. Stand together and let the press be free on this day. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” Speak up and be free. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.

Press Freedom Day Messages

• The only security of all is in a free press.” Let the voice of society be free. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Neither the chains of dictatorship nor the fetters of oppression can keep down the forces of freedom for long.
• Freedom of the press belongs to the people of a nation, not to the owners of publications.
• Without freedom of expression, there is no beauty in life. Be free and let everyone be free. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• Speak out loud and stand up together against social issues. Best wishes to you on this occasion of freedom of the world Press.
• As journalists, we are sometimes guilty of not taking cognizance of the enormity of the challenges and the responsibilities that we carry on our shoulders.
• Let justice speak up by giving enough power to people to speak freely. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Let justice speak up by giving enough power to people to speak freely. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Freedom of the press is the staff of life, for any vital democracy.
• We exist on this earth to be able to speak our minds and follow our hearts. Let your words reach the masses. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• No prison is big enough to contain free speech. — Mazen Darwish
• Mark your calendars and stand up together to ensure the right to free speech for all reporters around the globe. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• We exist on this earth to be able to speak our minds and follow our hearts. Let your words reach the masses. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• The pen is the mightiest sword. Speak out loud and stand up together against social issues. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Open your ears to the need of society and speak up to make a change. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we must all remember that freedom of the press is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve a free society. Happy World Press Freedom Day.
• No walls or limitations should be big enough to contain the right to free speech. Be free and speak your heart out. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Join the movement, speak free, and let your voices be heard on this day. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• If the deaf are to hear, the sound has to be very loud.— Bhagat Singh
• The role of journalism is to monitor any centre of power.” Speak free. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech- because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth. — Barack Obama
• On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I am sending you warm greetings for the independent and expressive press.
• Without freedom, the press is nothing and without a press, society is nothing…. Best wishes on World Press Freedom Day.
• On World Press Freedom Day, let us promise to make sure that the press enjoys independence to express.
• Light for your rights. Ensure free speech for all on this day. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• The only security of all is in a free press.” Let the voice of society be free. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Freedom of the press belongs to the people of a nation, not to the owners of publications.— A. J. Liebling
• Raise awareness and take a stand to help the press be free all around the globe. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• Pen is the mightiest sword. Speak out loud and stand up together against social issues. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.
• Journalism can only thrive when the reporters are given the freedom to work without any constraints. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Wish you a very Happy World Press Freedom Day, join the movement, speak free, and let your voices be heard on this day.
• History has given me the choice of a pen. — Gao Yu
• Raise awareness and take a stand to help the press be free all around the globe. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• Don’t let anyone stop you from being heard. Help the community and exercise your right to free speech. Best wishes to you on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
• Don’t let anyone silence the voice of society and the people. Stand together and let the press be free on this day. Wish you a very happy World Press Freedom Day.
• A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.

Significance of Press Freedom Day

The day aims to remind everyone about the significance of rights and the sacrifices of journalists as a part of journalism. It mainly focuses on the rights that define limits and freedom of journalists for providing information to the public. It also commemorates the lives lost of media professionals in attempt to educate the public with good information. 

Though the day includes only Press in the title. The objectives of the day apply to both press and different media that distribute information to the public. Professionals from the media department own the right to freedom of expression and opinion. However, the press releases must be free from bias and any kind of influence. 

Many journalists have reported attacks and threats from political as well as social departments because of their opinions and facts released on the public platforms. World Press Freedom Day promotes the prohibition of attacks and criminal offences on media workers. It also aims to encourage Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the publications. 

Types of Journalism

Below are types of journalism based on the kind of research.

Investigative: This is a kind of journalism that involves a collection of data for a revelation of the truth about a subject, person, or entity. The collection often revolves around people who resist revealing information. 

News: News is an overview of trending topics in the world. News is shared with a headline and brief description from the studio or through the circulation through newspapers.

Reviews: As the name suggests, it is sharing the pros and cons of using a certain product from any industry.

Feature Writing: It is one of the journalisms with the highest word count content. The authors are eligible for awards for their interest in the in-depth interpretation of topics, subjects, events and trends.

Columns: Columns are the areas that provide scope for an author to share information in a personalized style to connect with the readers.

Challenges of Media People

Let us know about the challenges of media persons.

1. Diverse Climatic Conditions: Journalists are required to get information first hand, for which they are required to visit incident locations. Different incidents take place in different locations, and so are the weather conditions. For a journalist, it is imperative to break the comfort zone and cover the stories. 
2. Tough People: On a daily basis, media professionals interact with various kinds of people for data and interviews. Hostile people who cross the path of journalists make it challenging and uncomfortable for obtaining full details. The press individuals have to maintain composure and face the risk of being mocked or belittled by such individuals. 
3. Threats and Attacks: In many cases, investigative people from the media have been attacked while reporting news stories related to crime and undercover missions to reveal the truth to the general public for awareness. Also, many reporters have been attacked and killed post revelation of crimes.
4. Facts Validation: Publishing news and information requires a lot of research, editing and releasing the end product. Therefore, Press individuals not only are patient but also work for prolonged hours than usual.
5. Cut-Throat Deadlines: With the emerging times in the media industry, every channel is in a competition to share the information before anyone, which is why the journalists are under constant pressure with short deadlines. 
6. Lack of Safety: Many of the journalists have been molested and ill-treated while on duty. There are records where journalists were raped and murdered while on news coverage trips.

Perks of Being a Journalist

1. Entry Card: Media personas get the entry card for almost every venue and event without much hassle. The rights are acknowledged by the organizers and entry cards are granted.
2. Vast Knowledge: As the people from journalism travel and cover news from different levels, they have abundant knowledge in various fields.
3. Out of the Box: As the professionals from news channels are prone to meet and gather data for interviews and publications, they can know different perspectives, which gives them ideas to become more creative for their growth.
4. Free Travel: One of the boons is that news reporter has the privilege to travel to different countries as a part of their profession for coverage of international news. This allows them to cover the stories and explore beautiful destinations.
5. Opportunity to be self-employed: As the journalists acquire skills and experience in their field of expertise, they can create their own bread earning opportunity by blogging and creating sites on their own.

When is Press Freedom Day Celebrated?

World press freedom day is celebrated on the 3rd May of every year. It is celebrated to remind the world about the rights of journalists and government assurance to media people to continue their profession without fear.

How is Press Freedom Day Celebrated?

The day is celebrated by the conduct of talk shows, posts on social media by the general and media public. Also, government and media industry events are organized to honour and reward the individuals for their dedication and hard work.

World Press Freedom Day Theme for 2022

World Press Freedom Day celebrations occur with a new theme every year. The theme for 2022 is Journalism under surveillance. The theme focuses on addressing issues related to privacy and information sources of journalists. It is to track and take necessary actions about the digital spyware and malware that lead to hacking and revelations of journalists’ identity and confidential information. 

Interesting Facts

1. According to Letter.ly, a recruitment platform for journalism states that the salary of journalists is below the national average.
2. Estimation by Letter.ly states that a 10% fall in journalism can be observed in 2026.
3. The analysis states that only 25% of US journalists are confident to interpret and present statistical data.
4. Music journalism is journalism that involves reviewing and sharing feedback around arts and bands related to the music industry.
5. The spread of fake news has increased with the increased competition in the media industry to acquire high viewership.
6. Misbehaviour with a journalist can land individuals in prison along with other legal obligations.
7. The media has also been known to break the stereotypes with the promotion of education and information through media channels.
8. Most of the media channels focus on promoting fear in people to attract and retain the attention of an audience.
9. According to an annual survey of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), there is a consistent decline in the readership and circulation of physical news articles.