Today is World Press Freedom Day commemorating the danger and of bringing us the news. Press freedom has never been more in danger. In 2024 at least 124 reporters were killed by hostile forces while trying to tell us what is really going on around us.
Although we may think of reporters in war-torn areas, such as Gaza, where at least 80 have been killed, most targeted because they were reporters, our First Amendment protections are in danger with politicians calling the press the “enemy.” Lawsuits by persons who do not like what the press says or does is the beginning.
Shutting down Voice of America is a gift to repressive regimes like Russia, China, and others who are fearful of information into their countries. Protecting journalists and the press has never been more important.
Prayer for the Day
Protect us, O God, for we struggle to have information,
Information, which only comes from people of courage;
Deliver us, O Lord, from those who seek to destroy freedom,
Freedom to learn about the world around us in our daily lives.
Give us the courage to support journalists and reporters,
Even when they say and write what we do not want to hear or read.
In the name of the One who did not fear tyranny,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It used to be that the United States would put pressure on countries for undermining free expression and for limiting freedom of the press. It was something that the United States government actually stood for, and it was also seen as a model for free expression. Now, it’s not seen as a model at all. Authoritarian leaders, or those who want to be autocrats, have recognised that they’ll receive absolutely zero pressure from the United States. It’s basically given licence to other countries to be far more aggressive in attacking the press.
Marty Baron, former editor of the Boston Globe and Washington Post
Three-quarters of countries around the world don’t have free media, and that figure is getting worse, not better.
Jonathan Munro, global news director, BBC
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust”
Psalm 91: 1-2