World News Day, a global initiative by the news media industry to show the value of journalism, will this year feature a new campaign, Choose Truth, created by South Africa’s Daily Maverick. World News Day is marked on 28 September each year.
The audience-focused day of awareness highlights the value and need for strong journalism. Conceived in 2017 by Globe and Mail editor-in-chief David Walmsley, the last iteration of the campaign was supported by more than 500 newsrooms.
This year, co-organizers the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and the World Editors Forum, the network for editors within the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra), have teamed up with Daily Maverick to present a powerful campaign for 2024 that news organisations can share with their audiences in the days leading up to 28 September.
Choose Truth is the first campaign from Project Kontinuum, a Daily Maverick-incubated effort to reaffirm news media’s positive role in the global community. Choose Truth is its blueprint for future collaborations.
News organisations that sign up now to support World News Day 2024 will receive a collection of assets, including video, digital and print ads, social media material and op-eds that they are encouraged to publish and share. The material will be available in various languages.
News organisations and media support agencies wanting to join or support the initiative can get involved by contacting Cherilyn Ireton, executive director of the World Editors Forum at cherilyn.Ireton@wan-ifra.org.
Branko Brkic, editor-in-chief of Daily Maverick, said, “Even as journalism everywhere is struggling to maintain its standing and relevance, every day we get to feel the joy of shared truth with our communities. Lives are saved, democracies protected and ordinary people’s existence improved. We must never lose sight of these ideals — and we must fight for them.”
Kathy English, chair, Canadian Journalism Foundation, said, “Journalism matters. Facts matter. Truth matters. Without the verified facts that can reveal truth, freedom and democracy can fail. Quality journalism that seeks truth can — and does — make a difference to the citizens of the world. This year, on World News Day 2024, we urge you to choose truth and support your favourite news outlet.”
Martha Ramos, chief editorial officer, OEM, Mexico and president of the World Editors Forum, said, “In a world overloaded with information and events, many of them challenging, citizens need facts, certainty and perspective. Quality journalism offers that and more. On World News Day, we come together as citizens to remember why such journalism matters and why it’s worth supporting ethical, trustworthy and truth-seeking news media.”
David Walmsley, editor-in-chief, The Globe and Mail, Canada and founder of World News Day, said, “Journalists have to do a better job of explaining themselves. World News Day is a chance to engage your audience, to listen to them tell you about how when they met a journalist their life was improved, and about how strong journalism brings out the facts that empower us all.”
