The good news of World Press Freedom Day (By Grace, 12)

By Grace, 12, Jill Dando News Correspondent

World Press Freedom Day is being celebrated today (3rd May) - dedicated to the press and protecting them.

It is held on the 3rd of May and is also used to represent the journalists who have lost their lives, such as Jill Dando.

First celebrated in 1994, the intent of the day was to raise awareness of freedom of speech and to annihilate corruption within governments.

With around 46 journalists being killed in 2020, it is so important that journalists of all ages need to be protected.

It is significant that World Press Freedom Day is celebrated and the word is spread around the world to protect people who are only doing their job yet risking their lives.

Each year, there is a theme, and this year's theme is about the environment (named 'A Press for the Planet') and will be held in Santiago, Chile, by the government of Chile.

There are many people putting in an effort to commemorate this international day, including the UK parliament.

The situation has improved greatly, but it is still happening, especially with wars raging on.

You can help by spreading awareness and supporting local and international news outlets.

Two fantastic quotations are below. "Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose." - George Orwell.

"The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press." - Calvin Coolidge.

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