Recognizing defenders of free speech - Announcing the 2012 World Press Freedom Day Luncheon - A Call for Nominations

OTTAWA, Feb. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - A Canadian journalist who has made a significant contribution to the right of freedom of expression will be honoured May 3 by the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom (CCWPF). The Committee today called for nominations for the 14th annual CCWPF Press Freedom Award (nominations form). 

The Award is conferred on World Press Freedom Day, at a luncheon at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. It includes a cash award of $2,000 and a certificate from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the day's sponsor.

CCWPF will also award three prizes in the 13th annual International Editorial Cartoon contest, on this year's theme, "Power to the People: Citizens and Social Media." The year 2011 will be remembered for the ways social media - including the use of smart phones, Twitter and Facebook - ignited struggles for democracy across the globe. Images of rage in Tunisia, after a fruit vendor set himself on fire to protest police actions, of police brutality in Egypt's Tahrir Square, and of the dead body of dictator Muammar Gaddafi went "viral" within minutes. "Texting" created "flash mobs" during riots in London, Madrid and Athens. The Internet fueled the Occupy Wall Street movement and protests against electoral fraud in Russia. What is the impact of social media on our world?

The World Press Freedom Day luncheon will feature a panel on the state of free expression in Canada. Tickets for this popular event can be obtained by downloading the registration form. Group or company tables and sponsorships are also available.

Details about the event and the cartoon competition can be found at: http://www.ccwpf-cclpm.ca

Bob Carty [phone]
[email protected]