The Journalists’ Charity has today launched a new campaign highlighting the importance of journalism in holding power to account, exposing truth and routing out injustices.
The campaign, titled ‘Life without Journalism? Unthinkable’, comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as the threat of election interference and global uncertainty. Journalists are routinely risking their health and their lives to bear witness, the charity said, as well as reporting truth and uncovering facts to promote a free and fair society.
Launching the campaign, the charity’s CEO, James Brindle said: “I think the question everyone needs to ask themselves, particularly in a year like 2024, is where would we be without journalism? Has there ever been a greater need to hold power to account? To expose truth? To probe into dark corners and route out injustice?
“As an industry I think we should take every opportunity to remind the public about the vital role being played by journalists day in day out, because it’s all too easy to take it for granted. It’s been a very tough few years for the sector, so at a time when the world needs good journalists at every level more than ever, we want to highlight just how important the media is to democracy and freedom.”
During the last few years, the Journalists’ Charity has supported hundreds of journalists and their families whose lives have been turned upside down because of covid, cuts, and the cost-of-living crisis. For many, the charity has been a lifeline, helping to pay bills and put food on the table. In what remains a challenging time for the industry, the JC stands ready to give help and support where needed. This includes providing financial assistance, essential support for new starters, and tailored 1-2-1 training and skills resources.
You can add your support to the appeal on X @JournoCharity or via its Facebook account. If you’re a publisher or editor and want to feature the ad, please email James Brindle at james.brindle@journalistscharity.org.uk. You can also apply for help here. If you want to make a donation to the Journalists’ Charity, your support will go towards helping journalists nationwide.
