Journalists around the world have seen increased attacks on press freedom. Acclaimed Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, a global advocate for press freedom, was recently sentenced up to six years in prison for cyber libel. The conviction, which she is appealing, has been protested by supporters around the world who believe the charges were fabricated in retribution for her unflinching coverage of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s Administration. Ressa, CEO and executive editor of the Rappler, has also led a battle against disinformation, particularly against what she calls the "weaponization" of social media platforms by authoritarian leaders and extremists. After her conviction Maria warned: “We are meant to be a cautionary tale…Don’t be afraid -- if you don’t exercise your rights, you will lose them.”

In 2018 Time magazine recognized Maria, along with several other persecuted or killed journalists the magazine called "the Guardians," as Person of the Year. The East-West Center also honored Maria as a "Journalist of Courage and Impact" at the 2018 International Media Conference in Singapore. Maria's EWC Seminars Live remarks will focus on attacks on press freedom and democracy around the world, in addition to her own case.

Maria Ressa will speak as the East-West Center's 2020 George Chaplin Fellowship in Distinguished Journalism honoree. The George Chaplin Fellowship in Distinguished Journalism was established in 1986 to honor the leadership and ideals of the late George Chaplin, an enthusiastic advocate of cultural exchange and former editor-in-chief of The Honolulu Advertiser. Chaplin Fellows are chosen because of their significant contributions to journalism.

Designed for multinational journalists and informed audiences, EWC Seminars Live is a bimonthly webinar and briefing series that seeks to inform, connect, and source media stories. For more information, visit www.eastwestcenter.org/EWCSeminarsLive.