This week, the EBU joined over 50 civil society and media organizations in Helsinki to mark World Press Freedom Day.

World Press Freedom Day is organized by UNESCO on behalf of the UN - to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and remind people that, in dozens of countries around the world, publications still face censorship, fines and closure while journalists are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

This year’s world event – Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms - focused on freedom of information and sustainable development; protecting press freedom from censorship and surveillance; and ensuring the safety of journalists both on and offline.

The EBU co-produced two sessions at the event. The first, organized in conjunction with the Media Diversity Institute and Yle, looked at the impact of the refugee crisis on public service media (PSM) values. Citing examples from throughout the world – from Asia Pacific to Afghanistan and South America – the session looked at the controversy surrounding the coverage which is often sensationalised in countries where commercial broadcasters are predominant. It concluded that it was only in Europe that coverage of the crisis had been subject to self-analysis. A report published to coincide with the session examines how European newspapers are covering the refugee crisis.

The second session, led by the International Press Institute, looked at how to increase freedom of expression and what could be done to ensure safer working conditions for journalists around the world. EBU Executive Board Member and DG of Sveriges Radio Cilla Benko commented: “With more than 100 journalists killed last year this is more important than ever.”

Benko went on to stress that safe working is the responsibility of management and politicians as well as journalists. At the EBU, there is a network of security advisers who exchange international standards and help smaller Members adopt best practice. “Cooperation among peers is important” Benko added.

The event concluded with the adoption of the Finlandia Declaration with the inclusion, at the EBU’s behest, of a call for all UNESCO Members to ‘preserve the independence of public service broadcasting as one of the essential pillars of pluralism and access to information’.

Georgian public broadcaster GPB, in conjunction with Ajara public broadcaster, also hosted a conference to mark the occasion with over 150 participants in attendance. Despite press freedom being in decline worldwide, Georgia has maintained its position at the top of the regional ranking for freedom of the press. EBU Senior Advisor Boris Bergant addressed delegates about the four key issues which will need addressing going forward: working with the public and not just politicians, attracting young audiences and using new technologies and financing.