United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2023
United Methodists help fuel news reporting on World Press Freedom Day
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. UM News, the official newsgathering agency for The United Methodist Church, has been championing trustworthy reporting and freedom of expression for much longer. On the May 3rd benchmark day, United Methodists are invited to celebrate the news service by experiencing specially curated content and supporting UM News’ mission.
Though its roots reach back to 1940, the United Methodist news service officially became a unit of United Methodist Communications in 1972. In 2022 alone, the agency’s news reporting covered 650 stories in five languages with 2.25 million site visits. UM News reports on The United Methodist Church through breaking news, feature reporting, and the sharing of mission and ministry, world issues and commentaries.
“By lifting up inspiring stories and objectively reporting on the church, UM News is the go-to source for coverage of The United Methodist Church. As society faces the growing threat of disinformation, trustworthy news reporting is more important than ever,” shares Tim Tanton, chief news officer for United Methodist Communications.
The UM News team allows readers to build their foundation of understanding on solid information by countering disinformation through news coverage of the worldwide church. These ministry professionals strive to be objective, thorough, balanced and inclusive of voices, views and contexts from across the denomination. Instead of just presenting one side of an issue, UM News provides a full and unbiased account that audiences can rely on.
Tanton adds that “we’re thankful to members’ faithful giving to the World Service Fund as it supports a portion of the UM News efforts. But additional giving helps UM News function at its peak capacity and ensure that United Methodists stay informed and have a trusted place to go for important news of the church.”
World Press Freedom Day offers an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to the collective work of United Methodist Communications through the UMCom Foundation. It’s a chance for United Methodists to stand up as partners in ministry by equipping the team to share more information that members need to know and tell more stories that need to be told.
The celebratory content will be available via Facebook.com/UMNews, Facebook.com/UMCom and online at UMNews.org/FreePress.
Stay informed with the latest news impacting the UMC by subscribing to, following and liking UM News managed channels.
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About United Methodist News Service
United Methodist News is a trusted and timely official source of comprehensive information and news about The United Methodist Church. Through UMNews.org, social media, and weekly and daily e-newsletters, UM News provides in-depth, thought-provoking multimedia coverage that facilitates a deeper understanding of our global connection. United Methodist News is a ministry of United Methodist Communications. Learn how to support communication ministry at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.
Media contact:
Brenda Smotherman
presscenter@umcom.org
615.742.5488