MEDIA RELEASE – MAY 3, 2022
“Today, I join the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia in commemorating World Press Freedom Day — a day to reflect on the critical role of a free press in a democracy, recognize the extraordinary reporting in places like Ukraine, and acknowledge the sacrifices that media workers make in order to inform and educate the public.
This year, I particularly want to acknowledge the Australian media workers who are covering Russia’s war in Ukraine. By reporting events on the ground, Australian journalists, along with other brave reporters from Ukraine and around the world, are risking their lives to bring truth to their audiences back home. It is because of their courage and commitment that we understand what is happening in Ukraine and the risk that Russia poses to global peace and security.
Today, we recognize the camera operators, podcasters, producers, writers, editors, and all media workers who play an indispensable role in bringing transparency and accountability to democratic societies. Their efforts affirm the critical importance of a free press to democracies like Australia and the United States.”
– U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Goldman
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