Share the importance of an independent press with your students this week. Themes include the relation of a free press to democracy, and the sacrifices journalists make to tell the truth. Includes discussion guide and learning outcome.
The UN established World Press Freedom Day as part of the Declaration of Human Rights because a free press is a human right.
Stories About Two Women Journalists: One From the Past and One From the Present
Sandi Bachom is a fearless, 75-year-old videographer and MY HERO Film Festival winner who lives in New York City. She is currently covering COVID-19.
Learn About Photojournalist Dan Eldon Through Story and Film
Dan Eldon inspired Kathy Eldon with his art, his poetry and his life. The story has text and audio allowing students to listen as they read along.
Learn About Daniel Ellsberg Through Story and Art
Daniel Ellsberg is a whistleblower and truth-teller responsible for publishing the Pentagon Papers in the Washington Post. Story has test and audio allowing students to listen as they read along.
Films
A musical tribute to the courage of those who stood up for justice.
Story with Text and Audio: Listen as You Read Along.
1. What are the critical, and sometimes dangerous, issues facing journalists today as they seek to report the truth from countries around the world?
2. How does news reporting remain objective and truthful at the same time?
3. How do stories, films and art help citizens be informed about their government and its policies? How can student journalists frame their articles and editorials to best reflect the truth?
4. How has the digital age changed journalism?
Reporting the news today is more complicated than ever before. The proliferation of 24/7 news and the role of social media make the job of journalists more demanding and more ethically challenging. Considering the heroes represented in the films and stories above can provide role models and guidelines for future journalists.
Art depicting journalists who have made sacrifices to report the truth
My Hero suggested viewing
Video Volunteers | World Press Freedom Day
Robert Shetterly explains his portrait project American Who Tell the Truth and shares his artwork in this film. His portrait project celebrates those individuals, including journalists and whistle blowers, courageous in their words and deeds.
Celebrated every 3rd of May, in 2024, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
May 3 was designated World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly, as part of the Declaration of Human Rights.
Stories, short films, and artwork from the MY HERO Library illustrating each of the articles in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
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The World Press Freedom Day lesson plan was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
UNESCO | About World Press Freedom Day 2019
Every year, May 3 is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
The News Literacy Project
The News Literacy Project is a national educational nonprofit with nonpartisan programs to teach students how to recognize what to believe in the digital age.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Established in 1926, the IFJ is the organization that speaks for journalists within the United Nations system and within the international trade union movement.
From Radio Diaries.org
A Teen Reporter Handbook to train students how to tell more extraordinary stories about ordinary lives.
Dying to tell the Story
A documentary produced by Amy and Kathy Eldon on journalists who risk their lives to tell the important stories of our time.
The film does contain graphic images of war.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
The world’s biggest NGO specializing in the defense of media freedom, which we regard as the basic human right to be informed and to inform others.
Americans Who Tell the Truth
Features individuals who used the power of truth combined with freedom of speech to challenge the system and inspire change.
Organizer created on 4/10/2019 3:34:42 PM by MY HERO Staff
Last edited 4/25/2024 1:37:08 PM by Laura Nietzer
