World Press Freedom Day
About World Press Freedom Day
When is World Press Freedom Day? This holiday is always celebrated on May 3
HOLD THE PRESSES!!! Today is World Press Freedom Day. This May 3 holiday promotes and celebrates all forms of freedom of speech, including freedom of the press. In democracies enjoy it is enjoyed as a basic human right. However, people in communist countries and those living under dictators do not have this freedom. Rather, the media is suppressed and can report only news favorable to those in power.
This holiday recognizes the value of freedom of expression, and the sacrifices journalist have made to attain this freedom. It was created and is sponsored, by the United Nations. While we enjoy this freedom in the United States, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression, is not a given right in many countries.
Each year, UNESCO awards the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to someone who has made a major contribution towards journalistic freedom.
How to Celebrate and Participate in World Press Freedom Day
There are several ways to enjoy World Press Freedom Day:
- The UN and other organizations hold UN-sponsored conferences and seminars on this issue.
- Teachers can create lesson plans.
- As individuals, we can learn more about the issues.
- And, we can support efforts to further freedom of the press.
- Tak a moment to reflect upon the basic freedom you have.
Today's Chuckle
“As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind … every part of this rocket was supplies by the lowest bidder.” – – John Glenn
History and Origin of World Press Freedom Day
In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd each year to be World Press Freedom Day. This is a UN Sponsored annual event.
This Day in History
Additionally, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Christopher Columbus discovers “St Iago”, later renamed Jamaica. (1494)
- Digital Equipment Corporation sends the first bulk unsolicited commercial emails… spam is born! (1978)
- We celebrate the birth of Frankie Valli, singer and member of “The Four Seasons” on this day in 1937.
More May 3 Holidays
In addition to World Press Freedom Day, here are more May 3 holidays you will surely enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in May. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous May Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Hollyhock, Indian Spring
Recipe of the Day: Zucchini Nut Bread
Holiday Insights, where every day in May is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? In addition to World Press Freedom Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Furthermore, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. May holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.