Media
Two Nigerian non-governmental organisations, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Institute for Media and Society, IMS, were on Tuesday, January 15, named among 15 “Global champions of free expression” that have been shortlisted for the 2019 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards.
In a statement issued in London, the United Kingdom-based campaigning organization, Index on Censorship, announced the 15 shortlisted individuals and organizations from around the world, saying they were drawn from more than 400 crowdsourced nominations which include “artists, writers, journalists and campaigners fighting for freedom of expression against immense obstacles.”
“Free speech is the cornerstone of a free society – and it’s under increasing threat worldwide. That’s why it’s more important than ever to recognise the groups and individuals willing to stand up for it,” Jodie Ginsberg, the CEO of Index on Censorship, said in the statement.
The Awards fellowships are offered in four categories, namely: Arts, Campaigning, Digital Activism and Journalism. Final winners in each category will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held in London on April 4, 2019.
Judges for this year’s awards include Maria Ressa, the award-winning investigative journalist and Rappler.com editor-in-chief; Khalid Abdalla, an actor and filmmaker; Kate Devlin, a computer scientist and author; and Nimco Ali, a writer and social activist.
Index on Censorship noted in its statement that Media Rights Agenda “has spent the last two decades working to improve media freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria by challenging the government in courts,” adding that “Through its active legal team, MRA has initiated strategic litigation targeting dozens of institutions, politicians and officials to improve the country’s legal framework around media freedom.”
It said the MRA’s “persistent campaigning and lawsuits on freedom of information have helped improve access to government-held data.”
Index on Censorship noted that IMS “aims to improve the country’s media landscape by challenging government regulation and fostering the creation of community radio stations in rural areas at a time when local journalism globally is under threat” and praised the organization for combining “research and advocacy to challenge legal restrictions on the media as well as practical action to encourage Nigerians to use their voices,”
The Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards is now in its 19th year and this year, the Awards are being supported by sponsors including SAGE Publishing, Google, Private Internet Access, Edwardian Hotels, Vodafone, France Médias Mondes and Psiphon.
– Jan. 15, 2019 @ 18:05 GMT |
Tags: IMS Named among 15 Global finalists for 2019 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards MRA
