WPP, with support from its media investment arm GroupM, has joined the Media Freedom Cohort.
The Cohort was established during US President Joe Biden’s 2021 Summit for Democracy. Led by media support non-profit Internews, its aim is to advocate for free and independent media worldwide.
WPP will work alongside news organisations including the Associated Press, The New York Times, Microsoft, Google, BBC Action Media, Free Press Unlimited, and the more than 100 governments involved in the Cohort.
“Independent journalism plays a vital role around the world and we are pleased to be able to support that through GroupM,” said WPP CEO Mark Read. “We look forward to working with the Media Freedom Cohort to ensure a diversity of credible media outlets worldwide.”
The Cohort will focus its support across three key areas: protecting journalists’ safety and security; advancing freedom of expression; and bolstering independent and diverse media.
The news comes ahead of the second annual Summit for Democracy which takes place this week.
Last month, GroupM committed to funding investment of media budgets to quality news publishers through its ‘Back to News’ initiative, also in partnership with Internews.
Through GroupM, WPP has further committed to adding the domains for responsible journalism in local media supply offered to clients.
“A healthy media ecosystem depends on a thriving news business that supports journalists and incentivizes fact-based reporting,” added GroupM CEO Christian Juhl. “As the world’s leading media investment organization, we’re proud to support the work of the Media Freedom Cohort through our global partnership with Internews and commitment to investing in responsible journalism.”
