Choose Truth, – The value of journalism will be the focus of this year’s World News Day campaign, urging audiences to ‘Choose Truth’.

The campaign – set for September 28 – has been developed by South Africa's Daily Maverick.

Conceived in 2017 by Globe and Mail editor-in-chief David Walmsley, the audience-focused day of awareness highlights the value and need for strong journalism, and was supported last year by more than 500 newsrooms.

Co-organisers the Canadian Journalism Foundation and WAN-Ifra’s World Editors Forum network, Choose Truth is the first campaign from Project Kontinuum, a Daily Maverick-incubated effort to reaffirm news media's positive role in the global community.

News organisations that sign up now to support the event will receive a collection of assets, including video, digital and print ads, social media material and op-eds that they are encouraged to publish and share. The material will be available in various languages, and those wanting to join or support the initiative should contact WEF executive director Cherilyn Ireton, email cherilyn.Ireton@wan-ifra.org.

The theme was outlined by Daily Maverick editor in chief Branko Brkic: “Even as journalism everywhere is struggling to maintain its standing and relevance, every day we get to feel the joy of shared truth with our communities.

“Lives are saved, democracies protected and ordinary people's existence improved. We must never lose sight of these ideals – and we must fight for them.”

Kathy English, chair of the Canadian Journalism Foundation said without the verified facts that can reveal truth, freedom and democracy can fail. “Journalism matters. Facts matter. Truth matters.

“Quality journalism that seeks truth can – and does – make a difference to the citizens of the world. This year, on World News Day 2024, we urge you to choose truth and support your favourite news outlet.”  

Said World Editors Forum president Martha Ramos, chief editorial officer of OEM, Mexico “In a world overloaded with information and events, many of them challenging, citizens need facts, certainty and perspective.

“Quality journalism offers that and more. On World News Day, we come together as citizens to remember why such journalism matters and why it's worth supporting ethical, trustworthy and truth-seeking news media.”

David Walmsley, editor in chief of Canada’s Globe and Mail, and founder of World News Day, said journalists had to do a better job of explaining themselves. “World News Day is a chance to engage your audience, to listen to them tell you about how when they met a journalist their life was improved, and about how strong journalism brings out the facts that empower us all.”

For further inquiries, contact Cherilyn Ireton, cherilyn.Ireton@wan-ifra.org