New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Societies
World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, is an opportunity to celebrate the principles of a free press, including defending the media from attacks on their independence and paying tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The popular movements that shook the Middle East and North Africa in 2011 powerfully illustrated the impact of social media in generating awareness of and support for the efforts of people seeking to bring about change, unconstrained by borders, time, and distance. This year marks a unique opportunity to take a closer look at the tools of the Internet that have become a profound force for social transformation across the world.
This open and global network has set the ground for new journalistic and communication practices, such as blogs and social media platforms. These tools are key enablers for the global recognition of new voices and the development of new forms of democratic participation.
ISOC is one of the central organizations dedicated to the long-term health of the Internet and believes a global, open and decentralized Internet is an essential platform for press freedom and human progress.
