Saturday, May 03, 2008

Freedom of Expression in the Media

Today is World Press Freedom Day. This special day, created and supported by the United Nations (UN) in 1993, celebrates the principles of the freedom of the press. It was recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in order to bring freedom of expression to the world.

Freedom of expression is taken for granted in the US, but not so in many other countries. They recognize that new technologies are increasing access of information which in turn empowers the public, allowing people to have more control over their own lives.

The Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for 2008 will be awarded to Lydia Cacho Ribeiro today in Mozambique. Lydia is a Mexican reporter who uncovered prostitution and child pornography networks. As a result, she has been the target of death threats, sabotage, and police harassment.

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