The Washington Post Press Freedom Partnership, a public service initiative from The Post to promote press freedom worldwide, today announced the addition of Wan-Ifra, the World Association of News Publishers, to its growing coalition of partners.
The Partnership also announced its first supporting partner, the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Digital program, which will help elevate the work of the Partnership to key stakeholders working on expanding protections for journalists around the world. Wan-Ifra and Aspen Digital join a global group of eight partner organizations – Committee to Protect Journalists, International Press Institute, International Women’s Media Foundation, James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, National Press Club, One Free Press Coalition, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Reporters Without Borders.
“In the two years since its launch, The Post Press Freedom Partnership has provided a voice to journalists in need, reaching decisionmakers worldwide who have the power to influence the outcome on these critical issues,” said Fred Ryan, publisher, and chief executive officer of The Washington Post. “We are excited to once again expand the partnership and extend the impact of our efforts to support the rights of journalists worldwide.”
“Wan-Ifra is delighted to enter into this prestigious partnership and join committed friends and colleagues from around the world in defending press freedom,” said Vincent Peyrègne, chief executive officer of Wan-Ifra. “Collaboration is vital if we are to overcome the many challenges ahead. These are worrying times for press freedom and for anyone who shares a passionate belief in the right to freedom of expression. Yet through it all, we must remember the positive impact news media has on our societies by keeping us informed. Wan-Ifra believes this is worth defending, and we are excited to join The Washington Post in their efforts to do just that.”
“In a new chapter of the long-standing battle for press freedom, would-be autocrats around the globe are using the Covid-19 pandemic to tighten their grip on power and crackdown on journalism,” said Vivian Schiller, executive director of Aspen Digital. “At stake is the public’s right to know and, especially in these times of crisis, human life, itself. The Washington Post Press Freedom Partnership is standing up for truth when we need it most, and Aspen Digital is eager and ready to be part of this critical initiative.”
Readers can follow the latest updates from partner organizations and press freedom issues worldwide on Twitter at @wppressfreedom. The Press Freedom Partnership newsletter provides a curated view of the current challenges affecting press freedom on the first Monday of each month. Readers can subscribe here.
