This year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' declaration of 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. Since 2015, the VUB, the ULB, the Erasmushogeschool Brussel and Bozar, together with a string of partners, have been putting that international day of press freedom in the spotlight by organising Difference Day. This tradition, initiated at the time by Caroline Pauwels, will be continued this year under the leadership of Ike Picone, professor of Media and Journalism Studies at the VUB. As always, the programme is full of inspiring speakers, fascinating panel discussions and documentaries.
Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter
The theme of Difference Day 2023 harks back to the very first edition. Back then, too, the event took place under the title 'Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter.' This is no coincidence. Freedom of the press as well as tolerance of different opinions remains under pressure. In an interview on the site of WeMedia, which represents Belgian publishers of magazines, free press and newspapers, Ike Picone refers in that context to events in Turkey, Poland and Victor Orbán's Hungary, but also to the Netherlands, where journalists were attacked during an interview.
A global perspective
It was something that Caroline Pauwels also noticed. She noted - somewhat ironically - that since the creation of Difference Day, the situation for independent journalists and news media had apparently only gotten worse. It shows how important it remains to let different opinions clash with each other in the public arena - an aspiration ingrained in Difference Day from the very beginning, and also now clearly reflected in the broad focus of the ninth edition. Indeed, Difference Day now also addresses journalistic issues outside the national and European context. It puts in particular journalists in the picture who have had to flee their country or are severely hampered in their work there. Of course, it will also highlight initiatives closer to home, especially the European Media Freedom Act, a new European media freedom law to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU.
The floor will also feature journalists who seek to highlight the views of oppressed people. They will testify in talks and panel discussions about the difficulties and opportunities they face. The recent evolution in India, where the democratic government is considering laws to curb freedom of expression on social media, will also be discussed.
Fireside chat with the Difference Day Honorary Title laureates
Difference Day ends with a fireside chat between Alicja Gescinska, Jennifer Clement and Ravish Kumar. Clement and Kumar are the laureates of the 2023 Difference Day Honorary Title for Freedom of Expression, recognising their commitment to freedom of expression. Jennifer Clement is an American-Mexican author and was the first female president of PEN International. Ravish Kumar stepped down as the face of independent Indian news channel NDTV last year in protest against the sale of the news channel to a government-friendly tycoon.
Difference Day begins on 3 May at 12h30 at Bozar with a Speakers Corner on freedom of expression for students and ends at 7h00 with a reception. Admission is free, but registration is required.
The full programme with details can be found at differenceday.com.