MONROVIA – May 3, 2025 – Journalists across Liberia gathered in celebration on Saturday to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, a global observance dedicated to promoting and protecting freedom of the press. The event, organized by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), brought together hundreds of media professionals, civil society actors, and human rights advocates to honor the vital role of independent journalism in a democratic society.
The day’s activities began with a spirited parade, starting at 9:00 AM from the PUL Headquarters on Clay Street, winding through central Monrovia and concluding at City Hall. Banners, chants, and posters reflecting press freedom advocacy could be seen throughout the march, signaling strong unity among journalists in a country still rebuilding its democratic institutions.
An indoor program followed at Monrovia City Hall, where this year’s domestic theme—“Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age”—set the tone for speeches, reflections, and a dynamic panel discussion. The theme is a localized version of the international focus: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence, Press Freedom and the Media.”
The celebration served as a platform for the PUL to present its State of Press Freedom in Liberia report, offering an overview of the challenges and progress the media has made over the past year. Issues raised included access to public information, journalist safety, digital threats, and the impact of technology on newsrooms and reporting standards.
In his remarks, Festus Poquie, Chairman of the PUL Expert Working Committee on World Press Freedom Day, praised the overwhelming turnout and high energy displayed by participants. “The enthusiasm shown by our members today is a true manifestation of journalistic solidarity,” Poquie said. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to defending media independence and professional integrity, even in the face of new-age threats.”
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for stronger protections for journalists, especially as Liberia moves deeper into the digital era, where misinformation, surveillance, and online harassment pose growing risks to press freedom.
Several panelists called for greater collaboration between government and media institutions to ensure that reforms in the digital space prioritize press rights and access to information. There were also calls to invest in training and digital infrastructure for local newsrooms to adapt to evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence and data journalism.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3, following a proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The occasion not only celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom but also serves as a reminder of the need to protect media workers from censorship, threats, and violence.
As the indoor event concluded, attendees expressed optimism that the unity displayed during the celebration would translate into continued advocacy, stronger networks, and more meaningful policy engagement to protect Liberia’s media landscape.
