The 10 tools of online oppressors

[Danny O'Brien] The world's worst online oppressors are using an array of tactics, some reflecting astonishing levels of sophistication, others reminiscent of old-school techniques. From China's high-level malware attacks to Syria's brute-force imprisonments, this may be only the dawn of online oppression. 4 May 2011 11:35

Press freedom celebrations tempered with concerns

Yesterday, Tuesday, 3 May 2011, was the 20th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, begun in Namibia as the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of principles calling for a free, independent and pluralistic media throughout the world. Celebrations around the world were tempered with concerns about the erosion of press freedom and in South Africa, the SA National Editors' Forum (SANEF) called on Government to review its proposed legislations that has seen SA downgrade from 'free press' to 'partly free'. 4 May 2011 09:13

London, Joburg candlelight vigils for Anton Hammerl

This evening on World Media Freedom Day (Tuesday 3 May 2011), candles will be lit at two vigils - one in London and one in Johannesburg - for South African freelance photographer Anton Hammerl to mark the 29th day of his captivity in Libya and call for his release. Also happening this evening in the Eastern Cape is a World Press Freedom Day panel debate on "What kind of public broadcaster does the Eastern Cape need?" 3 May 2011 14:04

Decline in press freedom experienced in key countries - report

WASHINGTON: The number of people worldwide with access to free and independent media declined to its lowest level in over a decade, according a Freedom House study released yesterday, 2 May 2011. The report, Freedom of the Press 2011: A global survey of media independence, found that a number of key countries experienced significant declines, producing a global landscape in which only one in six people live in countries with a press that is designated Free. 3 May 2011 14:00

Commemorate World Press Freedom Day

PARIS, FRANCE / DARMSTADT, GERMANY: Thousands of newspapers world-wide will commemorate World Press Freedom Day today, 3 May, by publishing thoughtful editorial and provocative advertising materials from the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). There is still time to join them. 3 May 2011 10:05

World Press Freedom Day: WAN-IFRA helps newspapers commemorate

In commemorating World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2011 a wide range of editorial and advertising materials are being offered free of charge by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) to newspapers and other media for publication. Newspapers publish WAN-IFRA materials each year to remind readers of the central role a free press plays in democracy and in economic, cultural, social and political development. 6 Apr 2011 07:21