On World News Day 2024, over 100 countries, hundreds of news organizations, media associations, and individuals will come together to underscore the significance of fact-based journalism. The collective effort aims to highlight the role of trusted news outlets in providing reliable information to the public. This year’s theme, “Choose Truth,” invites audiences worldwide to stand behind independent journalism and support credible news sources in an era dominated by misinformation.
The Role of Trusted Journalism in Today's World
World News Day is co-organized by the World Editors Forum (WAN-IFRA)
and the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF). The 2024
campaign theme, "Choose Truth," was conceptualized by Project
Kontinuum, a campaign incubator led by Branko Brkic,
founder of Daily Maverick. The initiative seeks to reaffirm
the global news industry’s commitment to delivering facts in the face of
widespread disinformation.
"World News Day offers a moment to reflect on the vital role that
independent and courageous journalists play in communities worldwide. Their
work provides the evidence that leads to truth,” said David Walmsley,
Editor-in-Chief of The Globe and Mail and founder of World News Day.
In today's toxic information environment, where social media and other
platforms often flood the public with misinformation and disinformation, the
"Choose Truth" campaign emphasizes the unrelenting dedication of
journalists to report facts. It urges audiences to be discerning, recognizing
the importance of consuming news from trustworthy sources that prioritize
accuracy and integrity.
A Call to Defend Truth and Journalistic Integrity
In a powerful joint article for World News Day, Branko Brkic
and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa stressed the ongoing battle for
truth in journalism. They wrote: “The noise and violence will eventually
subside, and the discourse based on truth and decency will return. For now, we
fight – every moment of every hour, of every day … We will defend Truth.”
WAN-IFRA President Ladina Heimgartner, Head Media Ringier AG and CEO Ringier Media Switzerland, echoed the importance of this campaign. She said: “With ‘Choose Truth’, we underscore our shared commitment to defend the principles of fact-based journalism. In a world overwhelmed by misinformation, the responsibility of journalists to provide accurate, reliable, and independent news has never been more critical. This campaign is a reminder that truth is not just a choice – it is the foundation of a free and democratic society.”
About World News Day and Its Organizers
World News Day is a global initiative aimed at raising
public awareness about the critical role journalists play in delivering
trustworthy news and information that supports democracy. It takes place
annually on September 28, providing a platform for media
organizations to reaffirm their commitment to factual reporting and freedom of
the press.
World News Day is presented by the World Editors Forum (WAN-IFRA),
The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), and Daily
Maverick’s Project Kontinuum. These organizations share a common goal
of safeguarding journalistic independence and encouraging the public to choose
news that is rooted in facts.
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers,
represents 3,000 news publishers, technology companies, and 60 national
publishers’ associations from 120 countries. With a mission to defend the
rights of journalists and publishers globally, WAN-IFRA equips its members with
the expertise and services they need to innovate and thrive in today’s digital
world while fulfilling their crucial societal role.
The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), established in
1990, promotes excellence in journalism through prestigious awards,
fellowships, and public events. The foundation is a vital player in fostering
dialogue between journalists, academics, business leaders, and students on the
evolving role of media in Canadian society, particularly as it faces the
challenges of the digital era.
Project Kontinuum, led by Branko Brkic, serves as a
platform to advocate for journalism’s positive influence on global communities.
With the "Choose Truth" blueprint, Project Kontinuum charts a course
for future collaborations aimed at reinforcing the power of accurate,
independent journalism in shaping an informed society.
A Unified Stand for Truth
As the world confronts the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, the
Choose Truth campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the
indispensable role journalists play in providing the public with accurate,
fact-based news. By uniting people across more than 100 countries, this global
initiative underscores the value of trustworthy journalism in upholding
democracy and empowering informed citizens.
On World News Day 2024, the message is clear: In a time of
overwhelming information noise, the truth remains our most powerful tool for
justice and progress.
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