World Press Freedom Day, on May 3, is dedicated to celebrating and defending the freedom of the press. It is a time of remembrance, advocacy, celebration, and reflection of past journalists and the role they play in society. World Press Freedom Day also serves as a reminder to government officials to uphold press freedom. This day is important to journalists of all ages because it challenges us to exercise our rights as members of the press.

According to the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement, “Free expression is a tool for gaining information, for keeping the powerful accountable and for creating major change.” This is why World Press Freedom Day matters to journalists, it represents our right to speak freely, report the truth, and gain information while holding our sources accountable. 

From a government standpoint, the First Amendment covers freedom of speech, but that protection is not absolute. Legally, the government can not make a law that abridges those freedoms. However, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists,

As journalists, we play a crucial role in both the media industry and society by keeping the public informed about what is truly happening in the world. We investigate and report important information so it gets delivered to the public that will help them better understand what goes on around them, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed. 

Without press freedom, there is a growing concern that people may hear biased or inaccurate information, especially if the media is controlled by the government. Journalists constantly keep a close eye on those with power to make sure they are held accountable. When we have the freedom to uncover the truth, it helps end corruption that would lead to strengthening our society and protecting the rights of all individuals. 

World Press Freedom Day reminds everyone that they have the freedom of expression and the right to share ideas, opinions, and facts.

In many parts of the world, telling the truth is dangerous. In our neighboring country, Mexico, freedom of the press is under attack, and journalists risk their lives just to do their jobs. While we at Metea Valley have the privilege of an unrestricted publication, it’s worth remembering that not every high school, community, or country has access to the unfiltered voice we have.    

According to Reporters Without Borders, Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists outside of active war zones. The organization reported that at least 28 journalists have disappeared and over 150 have been killed. Journalists are silenced by threats, intimidation, or actual violence. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has pledged to protect journalists by creating a program that provides them with protective gear and bodyguards. However, two journalists have been killed while under this protection. 

In the Middle East, the ongoing conflict, particularly between Israel and Palestine, makes it increasingly difficult for journalists to report safely and accurately. War zones pose extreme risks such as censorship, restricted access, and threats to personal safety. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, dozens of reporters have been killed or injured while covering violence in Gaza and surrounding areas. Despite these dangers, the role of journalists remains vital. Their firsthand accounts provide the world with critical insight into ensuring that the stories of civilians, not just governments, are heard. In times of crisis, press freedom becomes not just a right but a necessity.

MeteaMedia’s Editorial Policy states that our news magazine, The Stampede, our yearbook, The Rein, and our digital news platform, Metea Media, are run by students, not administrators. The policy clearly states that “the Publications will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution.” 

What this means is simple: even as student journalists, we are empowered to seek truth, report facts, and reflect the voices of our community without fear of suppression. It’s a right protected by the First Amendment and we must not take our platform for granted. We must continue to report with integrity, with fairness, and with courage. 

Having access to journalism and relevant news is a privilege. It provides essential and truthful information on local, national, and global topics through the protection of free speech. The job of a journalist is deeply connected with public events and opinions, serving as a voice for those who aren’t heard.

While Metea has an active community of student journalists, many countries lack access to reliable information. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

According to Committee to Protect Journalists, several countries such as North Korea, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and Iran jail, harass, or put journalists in exile, limiting the spread of free speech and updated information. The organization also collected data of attacks on journalists in 2024: 103 journalists were killed, 361 journalists were imprisoned, and 67 journalists went missing. 

One of the commonalities between these countries is government censorship: the suppression of free-flowing media and news. While it is more severe in the most restricted countries, critics say that the United States Trump Administration has violated free speech. According to PBS News, Trump signed an executive order declaring the protection of free speech just hours after he entered office, but he opposed them through some of his decisions as president.

This poses a threat to live updates on information and limits the First Amendment of Free Speech. Journalists must continue their job of being a voice and pillar to showcase situations, events, and voices from all regions of the world. Citizens and residents of restricted countries don’t receive news that could be vital to know. The Committee to Protect Journalists provides attacked journalists with short-term support for their living, medical, and legal situations with a goal to combat restricted journalism.

With World Press Freedom Day approaching, communities and organizations can spread awareness of the importance of journalism and free speech to promote access to news in areas that are restricted from receiving necessary facts. Journalism is being threatened, society must play a role in protecting its global reach.