The release of Queensland photojournalist Nigel Brennan is thrilling good news and together with the shocking murders of journalists in the southern Philippines is a timely reminder of the perilous job media workers do around the world in bringing news to the public.
In 2010 Brisbane will be the international focus for these crucial media and right-to-know issues when an estimated 400 international delegates will attend the 2010 UNESCO World Press Freedom Day to be hosted by The University of Queensland during its Centenary year.
The Head of UQ’s School of Journalism and Communication, Professor Michael Bromley, expressed the school’s relief that Mr Brennan and his Canadian colleague had been released.
“Our students may one day report from the world’s trouble spots and it is very important they, their editors and producers and the broader public, appreciate the dangerous job that journalists do," he said.
"It is vital world media leaders regularly come together to debate and discuss media freedom, responsibility and press persecution.
That’s why World Press Freedom Day is so important and why UNESCO has established it on its calendar of significant events.
"I hope conference delegates will not only debate the issues but by doing so mount pressure on countries and regimes that continue to not only deny information to their people but actively persecute and kill media workers,” Professor Bromley said.
The two day international event will run from May 2-3, 2010 at UQ’s St Lucia campus. It is the first time UNESCO has agreed to hold it in Australia and the Pacific region.
A highlight of the Day will be the awarding of the World Press Freedom Prize by the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova.
For further information, please contact:
Professor Michael Bromley. Ph: (07) 3366 8233
John Austin (Journalist in Residence). Mobile: 0431 806 353
