Today is May 3rd—World Press Freedom Day. In the 21st century, this day is not merely a symbolic gesture but a profound resonance where the flow of news, expression, and information forms the bedrock of civilisation. In today’s world, “free media” is not just a fundamental right; it is a prerequisite for democracy, human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. When the world stands divided, it is the media that must unite to speak the truth with a single, unwavering voice.

Free media means journalism that is fearless, free from political influence, independent of corporate interests, and rooted in objectivity. This freedom is not solely the right of journalists to write; it is also the tool that protects the public’s right to know. If a government is to be accountable to its citizens, an independent, vigilant, and answerable media is one of its foundations.

According to the United Nations, media freedom is a right that enables the realisation of other human rights—freedom of expression, political participation, judicial independence, and even economic transparency all find strength through the media. Therefore, this day is not just for celebration, but also a moment for self-reflection.

The current global landscape is complex and fraught with challenges. On one side, we face an information war; on the other side, relentless attacks on the right to free expression. In Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine, and Ukraine, brutal attempts to silence free voices are ongoing. Journalists there are not just messengers of news—they are truth warriors of a new generation. In 2024 alone, over 80 journalists lost their lives in the line of duty.

Governments, corporate lobbies, and digital platforms are using new tools to control narratives and spread disinformation. While false information misleads the public, laws like digital security acts, sedition charges, threats, and intimidation are being used to muzzle those who speak the truth.

In Bangladesh, the reality of the media is also concerning. While media outlets have proliferated—with new online portals and television channels emerging—freedom remains controlled and influenced. Many journalists still operate under political pressure, economic insecurity, and threats to personal safety.

Since the enactment of the Digital Security Act in 2018, numerous journalists have been harassed, forcing many into self-censorship. But instead of silence, the media should have been the voice of the people, criticising flawed government policies. Loving one’s country does not mean blind support; rather, guiding it toward progress through the illumination of truth is the true form of patriotism.

However, we cannot solely blame the state. Our media must also look into the mirror of self-criticism. Many now prioritise "statement-based journalism" or reporting based on top-down directives over investigative truth. Some media houses are more committed to protecting corporate interests—some to "saving jobs," others to "securing advertisements."

Yet journalism is not merely a profession—it is a responsibility. As the mirror of society, journalists must be fearless, impartial, and driven by human values. We must free ourselves from unchecked reporting, misleading headlines, and the culture of trolling.

Today’s youth are growing up in a digital reality. In this age of social media and content creation, everyone is seemingly a journalist. This has made the media more participatory but also increased its responsibility. Verifying truth, identifying sources, and measuring public impact have become more critical than ever.

Many young journalists dream of driving social change. They are adopting new languages, methods, and consciousness—beyond outdated conventions. This is the future of media—a collective pursuit of truth, humanity, and accountability.

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the shape and influence of media are evolving. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and big data have made news dissemination easier, but they have also eased the spread of misinformation. Deepfake videos and chatbot-driven propaganda created with AI are emerging as major threats to media freedom.

Hence, the media must be technologically aware, ethically grounded, and skilled in fact-checking. It must also champion democracy, human rights, and social responsibility in its pursuit of a free flow of information.

In today’s divided, conflict-ridden, and politically polarised world, the media can serve as a bridge—bringing together differing opinions, diverse languages, and contentious perspectives in the light of truth. For that, legal protection is not enough. We need political will, social respect, and economic independence for truly free media.

We envision a world where a journalist can speak their truth without fear, where media acts as the bridge between state and citizen, where newspapers stand as voices of justice, and broadcasters carry the torch of values.

On this World Press Freedom Day, we must revisit the question—not once, but repeatedly: which path are we walking? Is our media truly free, or merely wearing a mask of partial liberty? If we want a free society, an accountable state, and a humane world, our first commitment must be to ensure truthful, responsible, and independent media.

Media is not just the bearer of news; it is the conscience of society, the witness of our time, and the architect of tomorrow. Let today’s message resonate across all borders—let the call of independent voices become a united struggle for truth and humanity against a divided world.

The writer is a poet, columnist, and public communication specialist. He can be reached via email - [email protected]