Journalism without Fear or Favour

The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Journalism without Fear or Favour‘, a phrase coined by Adolph S. Ochs, founder of the modern New York Times.

WPFC 2020 seeks to promote the idea that we need to stand up for a free, safe and independent media and protect journalism from new and existing forms of unwanted control, pressure and influence.

Journalism without Fear or Favour keyvisual

Climate of fear

In addition, with more than 1,100 journalists killed in the world from 2006 to 2019 according to UNESCO, and only one case out of ten judicially solved, the level of impunity for crimes against journalists remains terribly high. This imposes a climate of fear in many parts of the world, which is ultimately detrimental to the free circulation of ideas and opinions by both the media and citizens at large.

Safety and freedom under attack

With the independence, safety and freedom of the media under attack in so many countries, and with the COVID-19 pandemic revealing once again just how important a free, safe and independent media is, it is now more relevant than ever to stand up for these issues.

Reporter with camera

Main topics

The aim of WPFC 2020 is to ensure that journalists can work freely, safely and independently, now and in the future. We will also address current issues at WPFC 2020, such as the role of the press and the problems encountered by journalists in the COVID-19 crisis. 

Main topics are:

1. Editorial independence and media in the service of power 
2. Diversity and inclusion in the media 
3. Independent journalism and media in the digital age.
4. Ending impunity for crimes against journalists and improving the safety of journalists.

Read more on the UNESCO website.

Programme and speakers

Check out the programme and speakers and visit the online conference platform for the free online cinema, the World Press Photo Exhibition and Cartooning for #PressFreedom exhibition, and the library. The platform will be accessible until 1 January 2021.