On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, journalists from the majority of Maltese media organisations announce the formation of a new organisation – the Journalists’ Committee – to fight for journalists’ rights and defend press freedoms.

The Journalists’ Committee is made up of working journalists, editors, freelance writers, and opinion makers who share the democratic ideals of the free press.

The Committee will be campaigning for a Freedom of Information Act, a Whistleblower Act, an overhaul of the Press Act and libel laws, and plans to organise a national seminar on Freedom of Information this year.

On a day to day basis, the Committee will be monitoring statements made by public figures concerning journalism and freedom of the press and about its members, new laws, regulations and decisions of government and public institutions that are of relevance to journalism, pending libel cases, court decisions and sentences.