A call for journalism without fear or favour – World Press Freedom Day 2020

World Press Freedom day (3 May) is a date which celebrates the principles of press freedom, to evaluate and defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

· Support independent journalism so that media workers can report without fear or favour. Newsrooms should be free to make independent editorial decisions that favour public interest and preserve accountability.

· A free and independent press is essential at all times, but is particularly important during a health crisis such as the one we are currently experiencing. At a time when many seek information primarily online, the role of professional journalists, whom are trained to help sort through the flow and provide necessary guidance, is vital.

· No crisis can be resolved without accurate and reliable information. At all levels, from governments to individuals, the decisions we make can be a matter of life and death and must be based on facts and science.

· It is only through joint multilateral coordination that these crucial issues can successfully be addressed, and we are deeply committed to this global effort.

· It is also important to help the media and journalists report on the crisis effectively and safely, and to promote critical thinking to limit the spread of rumors and misinformation.

· On World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, UNESCO calls on governments, media and civil society to join us in a global online movement to draw the world’s attention to these issues which are essential to the survival of our democracies. Together, we will ensure that our response to the crisis is effective. This unprecedented health crisis has the potential to rebuild citizens’ trust in the media.

Text: UNESCO

How you can keep Bush Radio’s work moving. CLICK HERE

Related:

Basic protective measures against the Novel #Coronavirus – click here

Official websites for accurate information regarding COVID19:

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

Regulations and Guidelines – Coronavirus Covid-19

World Health Organisation

Western Cape Government Health Department

Space in Bushradionews

Bush Radio has places available in its newsroom for volunteer recruits.

Read the following carefully!

*** This is NOT a call for DJs, music show presenters or newsreaders***

Are you:

• Interested in developing news that matters to the Cape Flats?

• Curious, adventurous, always looking for a story, willing to hunt down a source, energetic?

• Able to speak, write and read in English & Afrikaans or Xhosa?

• Willing to explore new frontiers in media?

• Able to work hard in a challenging environment?

Would you like to learn how to:

• Record sound, conduct interviews, compile bulletins, read bulletins, take pictures, record video, cover events and test your skills LIVE to a listening and online audience of over 375 000 people.

• Develop what it means to be journalist in a changing news environment?

• If your answer to the above is yes, then a volunteer news trainee position in the Bush Radio newsroom is for you. (Download application form)

Things to pay attention to:

• You will be required full-time with shifts (06h00 – 14h00 and 10h00 –18h00) – 5 days a week, including weekend and public holiday shifts.

• You must be available to start immediately.

• You will not receive payment! This is a full-time trainee position at Africa’s leading community radio station.

• Transport allowance of R500 per month for 3 months (probation), increased to R 1000 thereafter, non-negotiable for 9 months.

• Students attending class should not apply.

• Candidates must be computer literate.

• Candidates must be Cape Town based.

• Understand, write and read English and one other language (Afrikaans or Xhosa)

Shortlisted candidates will be put through a combination interview, written test (for computer skills, language, general knowledge) and a voice test at a specified date.

How to submit your application:

Download and complete the CV Application, attach documentation (certificates etc)

In the the subject line write: (name) and (surname) – Newsroom trainee March 2020

Email completed application form to newsrecruit@bushradio.co.za

Application deadline: 12 March 2020 (no late applications will be considered) Bush Radio reserves the right not to make an appointment – Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted – No correspondence will be entered into. If you have been contacted within one week of the closing date you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Bush Radio is the oldest volunteer driven community radio station project in Africa

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Related: Working at Radio Station and what it taught me.