Topic: Journalistic Freedom
Journalistic freedom or freedom of the press allows journalists and all media organizations to publish whatever they desire, without any interference from the government. Journalistic freedom is essential in order to maintain transparency by holding the government and large organizations accountable and keeping citizens informed. Most nations worldwide have some level of press freedom in their constitutions. However, in many nations around the world the freedom of the press is not fully enforced. The poor enforcement of journalistic freedom threatens the stability of journalistic freedom and the safety of journalists. Journalists write at the risk of violent physical attacks, online harassment, or being persecuted by the government. Governments manipulate national security and defamation laws in an effort to inexplicitly censor the media. They sue, arrest, and/or fine the journalists and media organizations they deem threatening in an attempt to silence them. In addition to facing the wrath of the government, when journalists publish openly, they risk angering those with opposing views. By enraging people with opposing opinions, journalists are in danger of online harassment and violent physical attacks that can sometimes be fatal. Attacks against journalists are rarely investigated, and aggressors are almost never penalized. Physical and online harassment, along with restrictive legislation pushes journalists to self-censor. When forced to choose between their safety and reporting, it’s easy to see why so many journalists choose to self-censor. Self-censorship results in homogeneous media that promotes the interests of the government or other dominant groups. When journalists are forced into self-censorship, more than just their safety is on the line; the public loses access to important information from diverse perspectives.
Committee Dais
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Hi delegates!
My name is Melia Thibault, and I’m a junior here at Exeter. When I’m not on campus, I live on the Upper West Side in New York City. I have been a member of Exeter Model U.N. since ninth grade, and this is my third year participating in PEAMUN. When I’m not doing Model U.N., I’m playing piano, playing softball, or watching TV. I’m an outfielder and second baseman on the Exeter softball team. Some of my favorite shows are Brooklyn 99, Criminal Minds, and the Big Bang Theory. I hope you all have a great time at PEAMUN and I can’t wait to meet you all! |
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Hi, my name is Adu Ilangovan, and I am a junior at Phillips Exeter from West Virginia. I am so excited to be a vice-chair this year at PEAMUN and help create an amazing committee experience for all of you. I have been doing Model UN for three years. PEAMUN freshman year was my first conference; it was a great experience where I learned a lot. Since then, I have attended other conferences and have grown to love MUN. Outside of MUN, I’m involved with a few other clubs, and I play tennis and guitar. In my free time, I love watching TV shows, hanging out with my friends, and reading. I look forward to seeing you all in committee this spring!
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Hi, my name is Kaylee Gong! I am a 10th grader at Phillips Exeter Academy, as well as a staffer for this year’s General Assembly. I’m from Columbus, Ohio, and this is my second year participating in MUN. Last year, I attended PEAMUN and had a great experience, so I’m excited to help out this year, and I can’t wait to meet all of you! Outside of MUN on campus, I’m a part of various clubs like The Exonian, debate, and others. I also enjoy a variety of hobbies like golfing, photography, and more.
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