William Horsley is CFOM’s International Director. He has a leading role to promote CFOM’s global mission to strengthen international protections for free and independent media and freedom of expression through research and analysis, advocacy, topical public events and seminars and policy advice to governments and media. He also engages with inter-governmental organisations, such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
His International Director’s Column focuses on issues of media freedom across the world alongside providing a snapshot of the advocacy work that William does. You can find his pieces below.
Fighting back: Journalists need new skills to be effective watchdogs for the public and ward off shackles on press freedom
Journalists everywhere need to wake up to the new normal: states all around the world are using anti-terrorism, state security and other laws to constrain, harass or lock up questioning journalists. They need to up their game in response. That message has been voiced...
What’s the point of World Press Freedom Day?
This year’s commemorations of World Press Freedom Day from May 2-4 in Helsinki attracted a record 1,100 press freedom activists, journalists, international officials and others. The event was practical and focused on seeking solutions to urgent threats and problems,...
Our International Director to attend World Press Freedom Day International Conference in Helsinki, 2nd-4th May
Joining our three members who will are a part of the World Press freedom Day Research Conference, William Horsley, our International Director, will be speaking at the main conference. "At the World Press Freedom Day international conference I will take part in...
Two-and-a-half cheers for the UK’s Freedom of Information Act
British newspapers and press freedom campaigners heaved a sigh of relief after a government-appointed commission stepped back from proposals to impose charges for disclosure requests, and on 1 March Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock announced “We will not make any...
What can the Commonwealth do for journalists?
How can the Commonwealth confront the repression – and in some cases forceful oppression - of independent and critical journalists in some of its member states? This week Patricia Scotland, a Labour life peer and former Attorney-General, starts work as Commonwealth...