The annual UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event shines a spotlight on issues of freedom of speech and of the press, giving an international platform for the work of brave journalists and for the activists who fight to secure and sustain these freedoms in diverse locations worldwide.  Over time, the event has grown from a day to a week-long conference that brings together people of all nationalities, backgrounds and political persuasions to discuss and celebrate freedom of the press worldwide.

In 2012, the Word Press Freedom Day events were held in Tunis, Tunisia, following closely on the heels of a cultural and political revolution (part of "the Arab Spring") that brought much greater freedom of speech and of the press for Tunisians. As part of the week's event, UNESCO organized a group of journalism students and young journalists from diverse locations to serve as a media corps, reporting live on the events of the week and learning from their colleagues and from global leaders in press freedom.  Two UO students, Ericka Staples and Barbara Bellinger, served as the only two members of this press corps from the US.  They were accompanied on their intensive field-based immersion by Peter Laufer, Professor of Journalism and the SOJC James Wallace Chair in Journalism.  Both students were enrolled in Dr. Laufer's "Conflict Sensitive Reporting" class in spring term.

When they returned, SOJC Instructor Dan Morrison edited their hours of footage and produced “Seven Nights in Tunisia: A Journey Toward Press Freedom.”  Watch it here and wander the Tunis Medina with the two students, meet the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner from Yemen, hear the UNESCO Press Freedom prize-winner talk about his years surviving in an Azerbaijani prison, and enjoy a reception on the Mediterranean at the Carthage Presidential Palace while considering the importance of press freedom.

Watch "Seven Nights in Tunisia: A Journey Toward Press Freedom"