JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION
MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2023
Session 4: Contemporary Challenges to Protect Media Freedom: Combating Violence Against Journalists
6 July 2023, Tuesday at 10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)
The Media and Journalism Webinars is an online certificate program organized by the Journalist and Writers Foundation (JWF) to equip aspiring journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. These webinars provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism. With a focus on promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and democracy, the webinars delve into crucial topics such as human rights, responsible journalism, and the impact of technology on the media landscape.
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field. In its 4th year of this virtual certificate program, JWF hosted participants of young journalists and media members from 29 different countries as well as 11 notable expert speakers from 6 countries.
In the fourth session of the JWF Media and Journalism Webinars, participants from 29 different countries, including young journalists, media professionals, and civil society members, converged to address one of the most pressing issues in today’s media landscape: combating violence against journalists and upholding press freedom amidst growing challenges worldwide. The session highlighted the importance of the topic, recognizing the critical role journalists play in reporting essential news and uncovering the truth. With violence against journalists on the rise, the session aimed to shed light on the obstacles faced by media professionals and explore ways to protect press freedom and ensure the free flow of information.

Aliza Appelbaum and Sanna Camara shared their transforming journeys as journalists, exemplifying the courage and dedication required to report on critical issues. Aliza had transitioned from covering local politics to working with media development NGOs, highlighting her passion for supporting journalists and promoting investigative reporting on a global scale. As the Vice President of Programs at the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), she played a crucial role in empowering media professionals and advocating for press freedom.
Sanna had a remarkable career in Gambia which showcased his fearless pursuit of truth and justice through journalism. Despite facing arrests, threats, and the closure of newspaper offices, Sanna continued to expose human rights abuses and crimes committed in Gambia. Both speakers served as inspirations, emphasizing the vital role of journalism in upholding democratic values and shedding light on atrocities. Their stories set the stage for a compelling discussion on combating violence against journalists and preserving press freedom.
Rising Violence Against Journalists
Aliza’s talk delved into the alarming trend of escalating violence against journalists, which had reached a new record over the past year. She discussed the potential correlation between this rise and the global increase in authoritarianism and shrinking space for media freedom. Legal barriers and gender-related crimes against women journalists were also highlighted as significant issues faced by media professionals.
“The rise of violence against journalists is deeply concerning, and it is essential to address this issue collectively to protect press freedom and the free flow of information.” – Aliza
She also referred to the Global Expression Report by Article 19, emphasizing its crucial role in shedding light on the limitations imposed on democratic rights experienced by millions of people worldwide. Further, she provided insights into ICFJ’s proactive approach in supporting journalists and investigative reporting globally. The organization offered essential resources and training programs, with a particular focus on regions like Latin America, Sri Lanka, and sub-Saharan Africa, where journalists often faced heightened challenges.
“At ICFJ, we are committed to empowering journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to combat violence and promote press freedom in regions where it is most needed.” – Aliza
Journalism in Gambia: Challenges and Triumphs
Sanna’s experiences as a journalist in Gambia came to the forefront as he shared the challenges that he encountered during the military dictatorship. Despite the risks, Sanna remained dedicated to exposing human rights violations and brutalities in Gambia. His commitment to journalism and advocacy for democracy and press freedom, even in exile, served as a powerful example of the courage and resilience required in the face of adversity.
The session further delved into the lack of a globally agreed definition of terrorism and its impact on journalists, particularly in countries like Turkey, where grave human rights violations have been taking place to target media professionals. Sanna highlighted the importance of digital and physical security training for journalists, considering the growing threat of online harassment and the use of disinformation laws to suppress media freedom.
“Despite the challenges and risks faced by journalists, we had to continue to pursue the truth and expose human rights abuses, ensuring that our voices are not silenced.” – Sanna
Sanna also offered insights into the transition period in Gambia, during which specific reforms were initiated in the media, electoral, judiciary, and civil security sectors. Journalists and civil society organizations played a vital role in challenging draconian media laws and achieving significant progress in press freedom. However, challenges persisted, such as the need for proper implementation of access to information laws and protection of whistleblowers.
Technology-Related Issues and International Solidarity
Sanna also discussed the threats posed by technology, including surveillance, cyberbullying, and legal barriers that journalists faced, even in democratic countries. The importance of international cooperation and solidarity was emphasized, particularly in supporting journalists facing violations of press freedom. He highlighted the role of the Gambian Press Union in assisting journalists and standing in solidarity with media professionals globally.
“Through international solidarity, we could build a strong network of support for journalists facing threats and challenges to uphold press freedom and protect the truth.” – Sanna
Question and Answer Session
During the Questions and Answer Session, participants engaged in a dynamic exchange, seeking further insights and clarification from the speakers. One of the major concerns raised was the lack of a globally agreed definition of terrorism and its impact on journalists, where systemic attacks have been targeting media professionals. In response, speakers highlighted the importance of providing digital and physical security training for journalists, especially in the face of online harassment and the use of disinformation laws to suppress media freedom.
Another significant question centered on the transition period in Gambia and the reforms that improved conditions for journalism in the country. In response, Sanna shared valuable insights into specific reforms initiated in the media, electoral, judiciary, and civil security sectors after the transition government came into power. The vital role of journalists and civil society organizations in challenging draconian media laws and achieving progress in press freedom was emphasized. Participants also acknowledged the ongoing challenges, including the need for proper implementation of access to information laws and the protection of whistleblowers.
The speakers also underscored the significance of digital and physical security training for journalists and the role of international solidarity in supporting media professionals facing violations of press freedom. Sanna’s insights into the reforms in Gambia shed light on the transformative power of journalism and advocacy in challenging oppressive media laws and working towards a safer and more enabling environment for journalists to carry out their critical work.
Overall, the session provided a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by journalists worldwide. The speakers and participants shed on the significance of protecting journalists, advocating for media reforms, and promoting accurate reporting in the digital age. Through international solidarity and collective efforts, journalists aimed to navigate the challenges and ensure the free flow of information, upholding press freedom and promoting a safer environment for media professionals in the evolving landscape of journalism.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

ALIZA APPELBAUM, Vice-President of Programs, International Center for Journalists, USA
Aliza Appelbaum is the Vice-President of Programs overseeing many of ICFJ’s programs in Latin America and with a focus on investigative reporting, including others in Sri Lanka and in sub-Saharan Africa. She started her career as a journalist in Egypt and the U.S., covering stories on a range of topics such as local politics, criminal justice reform, and economics. Since transitioning to the world of media development, her work has focused on supporting journalists who work in difficult environments. Prior to joining ICFJ, Appelbaum worked at International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) on media and civil society development programs in Central America, Eurasia, and the Middle East.

SANNA CAMARA, Journalist, Gambia
Sanna Camara is a Gambian journalist with over two decade’s experience in reporting on The Gambia. He was Chairman of the National Journalism Awards 2022 and served as its vice chairman and head of fundraising in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Camara was among over a hundred journalists exiled during the dictatorship in the Gambia and returned home to work in the democratic transition in 2017. He currently works as a journalist and media consultant in the Gambia.