Former New York Times Publisher, Arthur Sulzberger once proclaimed that the “free press is one of America’s greatest exports.” While the United States was acclaimed to be the bastion of press freedom, events in the past 25 years do not convince media scholars and practitioners that America is still a haven for journalists.
In fact, Donald Trump’s second term as president has been a tumultuous whirlwind for journalism. The Trump administration, and his political allies have conducted a rapid series of attacks on press freedom that amount to a monumental assault on freedom of information, prompting the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to call on the US Congress to defend the nonpartisan value of press freedom against the onslaught intended to weaken Americans’ First Amendment rights.
Information technology including artificial intelligence, in the hands of few private actors globally is becoming the source of misinformation, manipulation, and interference in undermining transparency, accountability, and the reliance on evidence in policymaking.
As the World celebrates Press Freedom Day on May 3, the New York-based Center for Media and Peace Initiatives hosts a virtual conference to reflect on the future of journalism and governance, impact of AI on journalism ethics and freedom, and professional ethics. During the virtual forum, media scholars, journalism practitioners, and public policy experts will explore the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom around the world; measures to counter disinformation, and suggest ways to defend the media from attacks on their independence.
Speakers:
- John Pavlik, Ph.D. Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information
- David Monda, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science, Graduate Center, City University of New York
- Fathia Eldakhakhny – Egypt – based columnist, journalist, and lecturer at Alexandria University
- VinMartin Ilo – Chairman/CEO Signature Television News Network, Nigeria
- George Okachi -DW News, Germany
Join the global celebration that ignites the spirit of journalism and champions the voices of the voiceless and the “voiceful.”
Date: Saturday May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 A.M EST
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83425069151?pwd=ZsxUpNOaYU9UHSz8mI1AnZ1zRU36cQ.1
