Winnipeg, MB – In honour of World Press Freedom Day, Mayor Bowman announced plans for a new plaque to be installed in the City Hall Media Centre that will rededicate the space to all who serve in Winnipeg’s professional media. With funding from the Mayor’s Office budget, the Media Centre has been renovated, restored and equipped with new lighting, seating and technology to meet the needs of a modern era of reporting.
“Timely and accurate reporting is the foundation of how Canadian democracy operates,” said Mayor Bowman. “We’re fortunate to have a multitude of dedicated professionals who commit countless hours toward ensuring our residents are kept informed and guided by the professional reporting of facts.”
In December of 1993, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as an annual reminder of the importance of press freedom and independence. On the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, May 3 is now recognized across the globe as World Press Freedom Day. Article 19 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The new plaque is in production and will be unveiled at a later date. A mock-up of the new plaque, and a picture of the current plaque which will remain, are attached.
Current Plaque
New Plaque