Dobar Dan! Today is World Press Freedom Day. Today we honor media professionals for the risks they take to keep us informed. Journalists are true public servants, and their search for the truth directly contributes to the public good. World Press Freedom Day calls our attention to governments’ responsibility to support press freedom and create an environment in which media can function free of pressure, intimidation, and fear.
The work of media professionals has become even harder during the pandemic. I share condolences to the families and friends of media professionals who lost their lives during this pandemic. The role of media professionals is all the more important as the entire world faces unprecedented challenges. We stand together to see the situation stabilize and return to normal as soon as possible.
My team and I closely follow and are fully aware of the hardships many journalists face in BiH as they report on issues, and work to hold the authorities accountable and keep citizens informed. The U.S. Embassy continues to support freedom of the press and provide assistance for the development of a professional and independent media in BiH.
As Albert Camus said, “A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.” On this World Press Freedom Day, I wish all BiH media professionals strength and continued courage as they play one of the most crucial roles in a democracy.
