Mexico City, March 1. The Mexican periodista Martha Ramos fue elegida este miércoles presidenta del Foro Mundial de Editores (WEF, por sus siglas en inglés) y trabajará de la mano con el Canadiense David Walmsley, who will serve as vice-president, in a momento clave para “la defensa de la freedom of speech”.
“The World Editors Forum is a leading voice in the defense of freedom of expression, and that is fundamental, because the times we live in are challenging for journalism,” said Ramos, editorial director of the Mexican Editorial Organization (OEM), the largest Mexican print media company and the largest journalistic company in Latin America.
In a statement, the World Editors Forum assured that the two profiles have extensive experience in newsrooms, a history of entrepreneurial initiatives and a strong commitment to journalism.
“Both agree that this is an important time for publishers to come together and support each other in the face of unprecedented challenges,” the WEF noted.
Ramos, who leads the editorial operations of the OEM and has been an active member of the WEF board since 2017, assured that he will promote the evolution of newsrooms, the inclusion of women and the safety of journalists. .
“Inspired by the commitment and professionalism of my colleagues at the WEF, I will try to promote such important issues as the evolution of newsrooms, the inclusion of women in decision-making positions and the safety of journalists in their daily work,” she said. .
Among Ramos’ achievements is her contribution to the creation of the World News Publishers Association’s “Women in News” initiative (WAN-IFRA).
The Mexican journalist is also president of the Inclusion and Diversity Committee of the Inter-American Press Association (SIP) and directs the Alianza de Medios Mx.
She was also editor-in-chief of El Universal newspaper, web editor of Publimetro México and editorial director of Diario 24 Horas.
Ramos’ election comes at a time when Mexico is considered the worst country without a war to practice journalism, due to the high number of murders, disappearances and public criticism of Mexican journalists.
Even the UN human rights representative in Mexico, Guillermo Fernández-Maldonado, argued that “the persistent attacks on journalists in Mexico and the high number of murders and disappearances are alarming and worrying”.
For his part, Walmsley, who led Canada’s ‘Globe and Mail’ newspaper to win several national journalism awards during his nine years as editor, said he needed to “convey more clearly why journalism is important”.
“I think it’s hugely beneficial for writers from all walks of life to come together to share their challenges and their ideals. More than ever, we need to support each other,” acknowledged the creator of World News Day.
The WEF brings together more than 3,000 media and technology companies, as well as 60 national publisher associations. EFE
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