Journalists are in danger in many parts of the world. Young people must be taught why we should protect and support the news media.
Illustration by News Decoder
The deadline for nominations for the 2023 Press Freedom Teaching Award has been extended. The new deadline is July 1, 2023.
If quality journalism is to survive, the next generation needs to support it.
These days it feels as if journalism is endangered. Those who practice it in many parts of the world risk their lives reporting what is happening around them and for acting as a watchdog on their governments.
But too few people appreciate the importance of journalism, in part because worldwide they are not taught early — or at all — why they should care about what happens to journalism or to journalists.
That’s why Global Youth & News Media, a French nonprofit affiliated with News Decoder, will honor primary and secondary school educators and news media organizations with its 2023 Press Freedom Teaching Award.
The organization is seeking nominations of educators who teach — in any kind of course or program at the primary or secondary school level, at any type of institution worldwide — about the threats and dangers that journalists endure and who ensure that young people understand why a free press is crucial to society.
“Too often and in too many countries news/media literacy instruction skips the part about the need for journalism and the high price some pay to do that job,” said Dr. Aralynn Abare McMane, director of Global Youth & News Media. “This year, we want to work toward correcting some of that by recognizing those on the front lines who make sure those lessons are taught well.”
Youth need to know why journalists are often attacked.
Nominations (including self-nominations) are also encouraged of news media companies and journalism-related nonprofits that support this type of work.
The deadline for entries for either prize is May 1, and the winners will be selected by an international jury of experts.
News Decoder has been the main media partner of the Global Youth & News Media Prize since its inception in 2018. The first edition of this particular award in 2021 honored only teachers.
Global Youth & News Media is a French and U.S. nonprofit committed to linking young people and news media in ways that underscore the roles of citizenship and journalism in society. Its programs include the World Teenage Reporting Project and the #HowToSaveOurPlanetStep1 global project.
Other supporters of its prize have included The Google News Initiative, the European Journalism Centre and the European Broadcasting Union’s News Exchange.
(Marcy Burstiner is Educational News Director at News Decoder.)