Tuesday was World Press Freedom Day and, after some tough years, there were a few things to celebrate. As journalists we have come through an unprecedented time of change in our industry. Newsrooms faced deep cuts to their resources as social and search giants sucked up most of the advertising revenue that once funded the fourth estate’s work. So it was comforting to note a recent Reuters Institute survey and report that found trust in news media had climbed following the pandemic. 

We were also proud to see local comedian turned international star, Trevor Noah, driving home the importance of journalism at the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday. Noah joined a long line of comedic luminaries to host the dinner, which honours distinguished print and broadcast journalists for excellence in overall coverage of the US presidency. 

Noah roasted everyone across the political spectrum while giving a reassuring reminder that free speech is alive and well in the United States.

“The reason we’re here is to honour and celebrate the Fourth Estate – and what you stand for: An additional check and balance that holds power to account and gives voice to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one… Every single one of you, whether you like it or not, is a bastion of democracy.”

You can watch the full speech here. (Link in PDF for WhatsApp subscribers). 
To help support the work we do tell your friends to subscribe to the wrap at explain.co.za/subscribe! And mail info@explain.co.za with work for our communications agency – it funds the work that we do.