World Press Freedom Week: A Crucial Initiative for Journalists and Press Freedom Advocacy

World Press Freedom Week 2025



As the risks faced by journalists around the globe continue to rise, the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club is gearing up for an essential week of discussions in honor of World Press Freedom Day 2025. This event, taking place from May 1 to May 2 in Washington, D.C., will bring together notable journalists, editors, exiled media professionals, and advocates dedicated to upholding press freedom. The goal is to shine a spotlight on the ongoing threats facing independent media and to advocate for the invaluable role a free press plays in a democratic society.

This year’s events are particularly significant, considering the escalating attacks against reporters and the increasing challenges to media independence both domestically and abroad. Daily, journalists face confrontations stemming from the state’s control over information, harassment campaigns, and literal threats to their safety. The discussions during World Press Freedom Week aim to address these issues head-on, presenting critical dialogues that unite key voices in journalism.

Event Schedule



Thursday, May 1
  • - 12:00 PM: Free Austin Tice
A session moderated by Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray featuring Debra Tice, mother of Austin Tice, an American journalist who has been missing in Syria since 2012. Debra will update attendees on the ongoing efforts to secure his release.
_Cost: $35 (includes lunch)_
_RSVP here.

  • - 1:30 PM: Press Freedom at Home
National Press Club President Mike Balsamo leads a conversation discussing the mounting threats to press freedom within the United States, from courtroom struggles to organized harassment online.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

  • - 3:00 PM: Saving VOA, RFE/RL, and RFA: Why it Matters
Moderated by Paul Beckett, this panel discusses the urgent threats that Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia face, with journalists from these outlets sharing insights on the global reporting landscape.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

  • - 4:00 PM: Supporting Exiled Journalists
Jason Rezaian hosts a panel featuring exiled journalists Mohammad Mosaed and Ksenia Mironova, who will share their experiences and discuss how the Press Freedom Center supports displaced journalists.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

  • - 6:30 PM: Covering Russia: Reporting at the Front Lines
Led by Amanda Bennett, this discussion will focus on the challenges faced by the Barents Observer team, an independent media outlet reporting from the critical Russia-Norway border. A cocktail reception will follow.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

Friday, May 2
  • - 8:30 AM: Breakfast with Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva
Jason Rezaian engages in a conversation with Alsu Kurmasheva of Radio Free Europe about her experiences in Russia, including her detention and subsequent return to journalism.
_Cost: $20 (includes breakfast)_
_RSVP here.

  • - 10:00 AM: Russian Journalists in Exile
Alsu Kurmasheva leads a conversation among Russian journalists now based in Berlin, discussing the realities of their work after fleeing their home country.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

  • - 1:00 PM: Global Press Freedom Outlook
A virtual roundtable with key press freedom leaders examining the state of media liberties worldwide, identifying critical developments and cases in 2025.
_Cost: Free_
_RSVP here.

Conclusion


World Press Freedom Week stands as a timely reminder of the imperative nature of press freedom in contemporary society. As journalists confront unprecedented threats, the solidarity and advocacy showcased during this event play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values. Attendees are encouraged to participate, engage, and support the ongoing efforts to safeguard journalistic integrity both at home and around the world. To learn more about the Press Freedom Center and its initiatives, please visit our website.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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