If you want to say something about freedom of the press, it easily takes the form of a party speech. But on the day of press freedom, it is important that we stop and think about what the big words actually mean. Freedom of speech, freedom of information and freedom of print are basic elements of a democracy. A free, independent and truth -seeking press is among the most important institutions in democratic societies. This is the opening provision in the editorial-controlled media’s ethical regulations, be the Varsom poster. In addition, there is a famous sentence in section 100 of the Constitution: Freedom of speech should take place. The law justifies the need for freedom of speech with the search for truth, democracy and the individual’s free meaning. These two sections are the closest we come to the freedom of the press in Norway. The sentences express the great value we add to editorial -controlled media in a democratic society like ours. The media must regularly think through how we fill these words with big and small actions. Under Press 3 May was declared as the day of the press freedom in 1993, at the request of the UN organization for Education, Science, Culture and Communication. UNESCO sees a free, diverse and independent press as a crucial part of any democracy. The day of press freedom concerns many more than us in the press. For in 2025, this freedom under harder attacks than in a long time. Very many journalists have been killed in war zones such as Gaza, but also in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Russia, Mexico, Haiti and Pakistan. In addition, many are injured or missed. It is also a major problem that editorial media is shut out from war zones and press rooms, and struggles to get rulers to speak. Killing, imprisonment, monitoring, torture and censorship appear to be increasingly common as weapons to threaten critical voices to silence. Journalists are threatened by both states and non-governmental actors. Turning point Our time has been characterized by big politics, crises and war. The world can stand at a turning point. The upheavals increase the need for information, both in society and in the individual. We need reliable knowledge of what is happening in our local community, in our country and in the international arena. We need claims to be documented and that news is checked. We appreciate that arguments are set against each other and tested. As news intermediaries, we must be extra sharp now. The time we enter can be a serious test for journalism. “First with the latter” is a good, journalistic teaching. But being first is no longer enough. We must also come in early with explanations of why the events are happening and in what connection the development must be understood. The media can also not only convey hopelessness. We need hope too. What is done to clean up the problems? Are there possible solutions? An important task for the media is to challenge power, writes Broadcasting Manager Vibeke Fürst Haugen. Photo: Berit Roald / NTB View openness In Norway, most people have high confidence in editorial media. In order to maintain this confidence, we must show openness about editorial choices. What source basis do we have, what editorial methods do we use, what is the basis for our priorities? Coverage must be balanced, and journalism cannot be influenced by political attitude or economic interests. If anyone is subjected to strong criticism, they should be able to speak with a response. We should correct errors and be open about it. An important task for the media is to challenge power. To accept that something cannot be said or written is to accept that certain types of power cannot be challenged. In a democracy, disagreement is not only inevitable, but desirable. When opinions are broken, we will go a step further. Living in a diverse society is to live with discussion, debate and disagreement. An important role for the media is to keep the speech room open and to help people express themselves democratically. Deserves confidence trust in editorial media must be a joint project based on constructive collaboration between fearless journalists, talented editors and responsible media owners. Collaboration always makes us better. We also depend on wise politicians ensuring good framework conditions for a diversity of independent, editorial -controlled media, and enables them to deliver quality content to constantly new generations. We will fight for freedom of the press. We can do it when we stand together. We must deserve confidence. Democracy is actually dependent on us succeeding. Send us your utterance desire to write? Feel free to contact us in news Ytring with your post. The guidelines can be found here. Published 03.05.2025, at. 08.00
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