Press Day

Press Day

1 September 2026

It is already well into lunchtime when I realize that today is Press Day. Internationally, World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May. This day is about a free press as an important condition for good gov-ernance, and particularly for democracy.

I have mixed feelings. In any case, it is not really something to cel-ebrate, but rather something to reflect on. A word of encouragement to all those who are doing their best in the media.

The press is not doing well. Over the years, many important media outlets have disappeared. A radio station went off the air after 90 years. And now, after 66 years, a television station is in serious trou-ble.

Many people criticize the quality of the media. At the same time, you cannot tar them all with the same brush, and good journalism is still being done. In general, the media have to operate with limited staff and resources. That is why most journalists are not only general-ists, but also have to wear many hats.

Over the past six years, this watchdog of democracy has increas-ingly been muzzled. Sponsors have stayed away, and the government has sidelined the press by deliberately not holding press conferences, thereby avoiding critical questions. The once-feared watchdog thus risks becoming a lapdog, or a barking dog that does not bite.

However, this is not entirely the fault of the media themselves. Nor can they become a true watchdog again on their own. A democra-cy that wants a strong and free press must also create the conditions for it.

We should therefore not only criticize the media, but also cherish and value them. Because without a strong and critical press, democra-cy itself becomes weaker.

Miguel Goede