Amendment1791
World Press Freedom Day Honors First Amendment Tradition
While World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, it serves as an annual reminder of the American tradition of press freedom enshrined in the First Amendment, ratified in 1791. The founders considered a free press essential to democratic self-governance.
Why It Matters
Freedom of the press remains a cornerstone of American democracy, enabling citizens to hold their government accountable and make informed decisions about public affairs.