31st World Press Freedom Day, Background and its Theme

Every year, the 3rd of May is observed as World Press Freedom Day around the globe. The 2024 World Press Day is the 31st World Press Day. This Day underscores the importance of a free press for a healthy and functioning democracy.

Freedom of the press is also essential for the right to information, which the United Nations has declared a fundamental right. The press is a generic term that includes both print and electronic media.

Press as the Fourth Estate 

The press is called the Fourth Estate. The term “Estate” emerged in medieval Europe, where it referred to the centers of power. The first estate was the King, the second estate was the clergy (church), and the third estate was the common man. The Fourth Estate referred to the press, which reflected and shaped public opinion.

In modern times, the four estates or power centers are the legislature, Executive, Judiciary and the Press.

Background to the World Press Day  

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe 3 May as Press Freedom Day. This was done on the recommendation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference.

The United Nations and UNESCO organised a seminar on promoting an Independent and Pluralistic Press in the Namibian capital city of Windhoek from 29 April to 3 May 1991. 

To mark the significance of the day, UNESCO recommended the UN General Assembly to observe 3rd  May as World Press Day.

The first World Press Day was observed in 1994.

Theme of the 2024 World Press Day 

Every year, UNESCO announces the theme of World Press Day. 

The theme of the 31st World Press Day is A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.

According to the UN, the theme underlines the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

Freedom of Press in India 

The Indian constitution does not mention freedom of the press as a fundamental right. However, Article 19 1(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens of India.

The Supreme Court, in the Indian Express vs. Union of India case in 1984, held that though freedom of the press is not mentioned in the constitution, nevertheless the freedom of the press is a fundamental right.

The court held that freedom of the press is included in Article 19 1(a) of the constitution.