Free Press Live 2024 draws attention to media in conflict situations

In conflict situations, the media play a critical role to maintain access to information. At the same time they become a clearer target. Sadly, we see an influx in conflicts evolving and re-merging, like the Russian invasion in Ukraine and Israel’s attack in Gaza, the latter being the deadliest conflict for journalists ever documented, but also the conflicts stemming from protests against power holders in for example Venezuela and Myanmar. Then there are the long-running conflicts that seem to become forgotten and remain largely unseen to the public eye; like Sudan. 
 

Information as a weapon

In all conflicts we clearly see that information is used as a weapon, and those that seek information are seen as a threat. Journalists are therefore under enormous pressure. We now live in a world where the word ‘Press’ on a helmet and a bullet-proof vest no longer protects a person, but makes them a target instead.

Journalists working in conflict situations need all the support they can get. Therefore we will draw attention to their role and their needs in such difficult times during Free Press Live 2024. For their well-being, and for the well-being of the public. Because access to reliable information forms a lifeline for millions of people enduring the consequences of conflict. 

An increase in emergency response

Due to the rise in the number of conflicts, emergency support has become increasingly important; it now constitutes almost half of Free Press Unlimited’s work.

Our safety team provided support to hundreds of journalists in distress with for example psycho-social support, relocation and replacement of equipment. So far in 2024, we have supported over 1800 journalists in distress to help them continue their work during conflict. It has already surpassed the total number of journalists supported in 2023, and we only foresee this increasing in the future. 
 

The event

During Free Press Live, in in-depth panel discussions with journalists and other experts, we will discuss the impact on, and role of, media during a conflict, and how best to respond and support them. We address how some conflicts are ‘forgotten’ and highlight stories of resilience and success of our partners in restoring and maintaining access to information in times of conflict.

The event will be concluded with the presentation of our Free Press Awards. With the Free Press Awards, Free Press Unlimited recognises journalists and media professionals who have shown a strong commitment to the cause of press freedom and the provision of independent information. We will honour journalists and media professionals who continue to do their work, no matter the circumstances. One journalist will be awarded with the Newcomer of the Year Award, which comes with a scholarship, and one journalist wins the Most Resilient Journalist Award, and receives 10.000 euros. 
 

Programme:

15.00 Walk in
15.30 Opening by Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director Free Press Unlimited.

• Keynote speech by Palestinian journalist, poet and columnist Rajaa Natour.
• Panel 1: News coverage in conflict situations: a media lifeline for millions
  With a.o. Ekatarina Kotrikadze, News director of the exiled Russian news platform TV Rain - Rashid Saeed, former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Information in Sudan, now working for exiled Sudanese news platform Dabanga -  Nataliya Gumenyuk, a Ukrainian journalist and author specialised in conflict reporting.
• Panel 2: How to secure the media lifeline in Palestine and Lebanon? 
  With a.o. Muamar Orabi, Director of Wattan Media Network, operating from Ramallah, Palestine and a live connection with Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director of the Beirut-based Samir Kassir Foundation, the leading freedom of expression NGO in the Levant region.
• Presentation of winners Free Press Awards 
  We announce the winners of the Newcomer of the Year and the Most Resilient Journalist Award. Learn about the nominees here.

17.30 Drinks & bites in the foyer of Nieuwspoort. 
 

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