Media Advisory - Kathy Gannon, veteran Afghanistan reporter to be honoured at April 30 World Press Freedom luncheon

OTTAWA, April 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Kathy Gannon- AP Special Regional Correspondent for Afghanistan and Pakistan -who narrowly escaped with her life after a gun attack in Afghanistan last year, will be honoured as the 17^th winner of the World Press Freedom Award at the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom's (CCWPF's) annual luncheon. The event takes place on Thursday, April 30 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel.

Born in Timmins, Ontario, Gannon has reported on Afghanistan and Pakistan for over 20 years.

CCWPF will also honour the three winners of the 15^th annual International Editorial Cartoon Competition at the same event. This year's International Editorial Cartoon Competition will recognize the best submissions on the theme:  "Press Freedom has a value, but also a price."

All the awards are presented by CCWPF in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO).

What: World Press Freedom Awards luncheon
Who:     
World Press Freedom Award Winner 2015:  Kathy Gannon, AP Special Regional Correspondent for Pakistan and Afghanistan
Keynote Speaker: Kathy Gannon.
Topic: Press Freedom: Fact or Fiction?
Note:   On April 4, 2014, as Gannon and her photographer- colleague Anja Niedringhaus prepared to cover the presidential election in Afghanistan, an Afghan police commander opened gunfire on them. Niedringhaus died instantly, but Gannon survived the six bullets that left her severely wounded.
Moderator: Don Newman, former Parliamentary Editor, CBC News
When: Thursday, April 30 at 12:00 noon. An informal reception with a cash bar begins at 11:30 am.
Where: Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa
Luncheon Tickets: $65 each or $120 for two. Reserve on  http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-conversation-with-kathy-gannon-on-world-press-freedom-day-tickets-15802644134
Coverage notes:
Plan coverage and download the winning cartoons beforehand. Newspapers may download copies of the winning and runner-up cartoons from the CCWPF website  www.ccwpf-cclpm.ca
Please note that Kathy Gannon is available for interviews on April 28 and 29 but not after the event.
 A News Media table is available. However, if you wish to have lunch, please  reserve a ticket.

Background

The Awards are presented by the Canadian Committee on World Press Freedom, chaired by Shawn McCarthy. Although the Ottawa event this year is on April 30, UNESCO has dedicated May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. Organizations around the globe hold events around this time to honour media workers who have sacrificed life and liberty to bring their stories to the public.

The World Press Freedom Editorial Award goes to a Canadian journalist or media worker who has made a significant contribution to press freedom during the past 15 months. It consists of a prize of $2,000 and a certificate of honour from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and CCWPF.

The International Cartoon Competition carries awards of $1,500, $750 and $500. This year's competition attracted over 300 cartoons from 43 countries around the world.

Please advise us if you will be sending a camera crew, or have special needs. The program will commence sharp at 12:00 noon, but doors open for registration at 11:30 am.

SOURCE Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom

Michelle Zilio 613-220-4496, [email protected]; Susan Korah, 613-241-4967, [email protected]; Guy Badeaux, (French media), [phone], [email protected]