More than 120 newsrooms across the world will mark World News Day 2020 on Monday 28 September

Participating newsrooms from will use their pages, editorial columns and social media channels on the 28th September to show why #JournalismMatters. Some have planned their own events for their audiences and will produce special supplements on journalism that matters.

Two op-ed pieces are being made available, embargoed for publication on World News Day, 28 September, written by Warren Fernandez, President of the World Editors Forum and Editor in Chief of the Straits Times, Singapore, and David Walmsley, Editor in Chief of the Globe and Mail, Canada. They can be downloaded here. 

Two global broadcasts will pay homage to the positive power of journalism.

• The first webinar, scheduled for 16h00 Singapore/HK time (8h00 GMT), will focus on Youth and Media and the next steps to tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic. Registration required. Top speakers include Australian infectious disease specialist, Prof Dale Fisher, Dr June Tay, head of the Digital Media Programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), editors from the Straits Times, Manilla Bulletin and Jakarta Post.
• At 19h00 Eastern Time (24h00 GMT), CNN Media Correspondent Brian Stelter will host a World News Day webcast, including Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the US Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases; Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler;  journalists and correspondents from The New York Times, CNN, BBC, Reforma, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Geographic and ABC. It will include performances by artists such as Macy Gray. The full programme is here. Registration required.

World Editors Forum President Warren Fernandez said it was important for newsrooms to underline the contribution they make:  “At a time when so much has been turned on its head, this much has become clear: Real news matters. The truth matters. Objectivity matters. Balance and fairness matter.  In short, quality journalism matters. These are hallmarks of professional newsrooms.”

World News Day deliberately coincides with the UN International Day for Access to Information, in recognition of the importance of the right to know – for both journalists and citizens.

The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA)

WAN-IFRA is the World Association of News Publishers. Based in Paris and Frankfurt, with regional offices in Chennai, Singapore, and Mexico City, its mission is to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media. WAN-IFRA provides its members with expertise and services to innovate and prosper in a digital world and perform their crucial role in society. With formal representative status at the United Nations, UNESCO and the Council of Europe, it derives its authority from its global network of leading news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, and its legitimacy from its 80 national association members representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries. www.wan-ifra.org

The World Editors Forum (WEF)

is the global network for editors within the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). It promotes quality journalism and newsroom transformation and works to protect the rights of journalists to operate freely and perform their crucial role in society. www.wan-ifra.org

The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF)

Founded in 1990, CJF promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers’ series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research. www.cjf-fjc.ca

World News Day is made possible by a sponsorship from Google News Initiative.