(Photo: Jodie Ginsberg)
Dear Friend,
I am not a betting woman. But I couldn’t help but smile when I read the headline in this weekend’s Wall Street Journal: “The Smart Money’s on Journalism to Win.” “Journalism” was the 3-1 favourite in the Kentucky Derby. When it came to it, Journalism (the horse) lost by 1-½ lengths to a horse named Sovereignty, which feels rather fitting in the current US context.
In the long run, though, my money’s still on journalism to win. Every day at CPJ we work with journalists across the world who battle the odds, risking jail, injury – and even death – to bring us crucial information. Journalists like Émerité Amisi Musada, a journalist from the Democratic Republic of Congo abducted and tortured over his coverage of the current war. Journalists like Nakary Mena Ramos and Gianni González, arrested and detained over their reporting on rising crime in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Journalists like veteran Filipino journalist and publisher Juan “Johnny” Dayang, shot dead in his home last week.
These attacks took place in the space of just four weeks – and they were by no means isolated incidents. Last year, a record number of journalists were killed and near record numbers imprisoned. And yet, journalists continue to report. They do so because they believe – as we do at CPJ – that the ability to impart and receive information is the cornerstone of all other rights and freedoms. Its importance is precisely why those who want to conceal wrongdoing and curtail liberties always focus on silencing journalists. Yet we know, from more than four decades doing this work, that killing the messenger doesn’t kill the message. That there will always be those willing to report the truth no matter the odds.
That’s why my money’s on journalism to win. But we need your help. Please support the Committee to Protect Journalists by making a gift today. Your generosity will help us to help those who make journalism possible.
Regards,
Jodie Ginsberg
CEO
P.S. Any gift made before May 31st will be matched. Don’t miss this chance to amplify your impact!
|
|
