The Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) will co-organize a panel discussion on Saturday, May 3, to mark World Press Freedom Day. The event, entitled “Fighting for facts in an age of authoritarianism”, will bring together journalists and advocates from the region.
This event is open to non-members but the organisers reserve the right to turn away attendees if they are found to interrupt the event. A selection of snacks and finger food will be provided.
Date: May 3, Saturday
Time: 7.00pm (please arrive by 6.50pm)
Venue: Daybreak 破曉咖啡 (New Bloom 破土)
Language: English
In the Asia-Pacific region, press freedom and access to reliable news are severely compromised by the predominance of authoritarian regimes who strictly control information and repress journalists. As witnessed by the previous editions of the RSF World Press Freedom Index, the Asia-Pacific region is the second most dangerous region for journalists, and in recent years has seen a worrying decline in support and respect for media autonomy and an increase in pressure from their state, leading many media to work underground or in exile.
During this panel, based on examples of authoritarian regimes in the region including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Myanmar, we will discuss this worrying trend and the ways in which journalists resist and keep the public informed.
Panelists are:
- Shirley Leung Ka Lai, Editor-in-Chief, Photon Media
- Aleksandra Bielakowska, Advocacy Manager and Taiwan Chapter Chairperson, Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- Will Yang, journalist and member of the standing executive committee, the Association of Taiwan Journalists (ATJ)
- Long Huu Trinh, journalist and Interim Executive Director, Legal Initiatives for Vietnam
The discussion will be moderated by Brian Hioe, founding editor of New Bloom and TFCC board director.