2021 Learn More
Numerous Canadian and international organizations monitor obstacles and threats to journalism, while providing professional support and recognition for journalists. We list a few of them here. The websites teach us about the complex world in which journalists do their important work, and they feature many stories of courage and resilience.
Committee to Protect Journalists
“The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.”
The CPJ website provides multinational data on numbers of journalists who have disappeared, or have been killed or imprisoned, while doing their jobs. It also features important current cases such as the January 6 attack on the US Capitol building, Jamal Khashoggi, and Julian Assange.
In addition, the Canada page features stories about journalists, including Indigenous journalists and women who face difficulties here (mostly arrest or harassment).
Canadian Association of Journalists
The events of January 6, 2021, provided vivid evidence of the threats under which journalists work, even in a long-established democracy. Here is a link to commentary on the event and its repercussions in Canada, posted on January 8.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
“CJFE monitors, defends and promotes free expression and access to information in Canada and internationally.”
CJFE sponsors an annual Night to Honour Courageous Reporting. You can readthe 2019 award winners’ stories of courage here.
“World Press Freedom Canada monitors press freedom issues nationally and globally. Our mission is to advocate for freedom of expression which culminates in an annual event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day. At World Press Freedom Day, awards are presented to Canadian media workers who have made significant contributions to the cause.”
International Women’s Media Foundation
“The Courage in Journalism Awards show people that female journalists are not going to step aside, cannot be silenced, and deserve to be recognized for their strength in the face of adversity. It honors the brave journalists who report on taboo topics, work in environments hostile to women, and share difficult truths.”
“JHR has worked around the world to train and engage local journalists, media outlets, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen and improve human rights coverage in local contexts.” JHR’s programming includes training and support of Indigenous journalists in Canada.
From the JHR website here, you can download “Half the Story is Never Enough: Threats Facing Women Journalists”, a unique series of papers in which women journalists discuss challenges they face and ways to mitigate those challenges.
“Founded by four journalists in the southern French city Montpellier in 1985, RSF is now one of the world’s leading NGOs in the defense and promotion of freedom of information.” RSF keeps statistics on threats to journalists around the world. Here is their Canada page.
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