National Hug A Newsperson Day: Significance and 5 different ways to celebrate it
Be it the time of pandemic or war, journalists always keep us informed. National Hug a Newsperson Day is celebrated annually on April 4 to highlight your appreciation for the journalists who often risk their lives. This day was created in 2005 as a way to honor and recognize the important role that newspersons play in our society as frontline workers.
This day is also an opportunity to celebrate freedom of speech, which is so essential for democracy. Previously referred to as National Hug a Newsman Day, this day is very special to everyone, and more importantly to the people who love to stay informed about everything happening around the globe.
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Significance of National Hug a Newsperson Day
1. Newspersons bring responsible journalism
Newspersons play an important role in society, providing us with accurate and reliable information. They put in countless hours of research and fact-checking to provide us with balanced and unbiased news reports, keeping us up to date on current events around the world. A user on Twitter wrote, "The only heroes left."
Late in my life, I have come to the conclusion reporters, photogs, & others disseminate the news are one of the last heroes a close second to all those who served the public at risk during Covid.
— Ken Kisser (@KenKisser) January 7, 2023
2. Newspersons hold people accountable
Whether it's covering a local issue or an international scandal, newspersons are instrumental in holding people accountable for their actions.
3. Newspersons fight for freedom of speech and press
Their reporting uncovers corruption and reveals the truth, so we can take action and demand justice against injustice.
Five different ways to celebrate it
1. Hug a newsperson
In case you know a newsperson personally, observe this day by hugging and acknowledging them and giving them a tap on the back for their value-adding work.
2. Read or watch the news
You can also observe this day by reading or watching the news. This is a very normal way to appreciate the men and women who bring the news to us.
3. Making people aware
Another way to observe this day is by taking the time on this day to talk to people about the many ways that newspersons add value to our lives.
4. Post on social media
Using the hashtag #NationalHugANewsPersonDay when sharing on social media is one method to mark this day. This would help spread the word about this day.
5. Visit a news station to personally thank them
You can also make a point of visiting the news station that is nearest to your location and thanking them for their notable works.