Journalism Just Won A Nobel: Twitter Celebrates as Two Editors Win Peace Prize

Journalists from across the world took to Twitter to celebrate as two of their own – Philippines' Maria Ressa and Russia's Dmitry Muratov shared the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021.

Announcing the awards on 8 October, the body said that they have bagged the award “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

Senior journalists from India tweeted that it was a powerful message for the field, and a boost for journalists who are fighting for democracy.

Journalism just won a Nobel Prize!
This is a powerful message for journalism & to all those autocratic leaders at home &abroad who're criminalising journalism.
"..freedom of expression is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace."
More power to @mariaressa ,Dmitry Muratov

— Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) October 8, 2021

Freedom of Press gets the Nobel Prize.

— Vinod K. Jose (@vinodjose) October 8, 2021

I am lil numb with happiness. Elated. No words. My dear friend, ally @mariaressa has won the Nobel Peace Prize. What do i say ? This is a HUGE shot in the arm for press freedom for journalists who are fighting fascists, dictators at huge risk to their lives. HOLD THE LINE❤❤❤

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) October 8, 2021

Journalists also pointed that both Ressa and Muratov were not only the most courageous journalists but also principled of the lot.

Incidentally, Ressa is the first person from her country to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Maria Ressa is 1st Filipino to win Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.
“A world without facts means a world without truth and trust. And if you don’t have any of those things, you certainly can’t conquer coronavirus, can’t conquer climate change.” pic.twitter.com/FaVmhLpv4o

— Mike Navallo (@mikenavallo) October 8, 2021

'Reporting In Public Interest Dangerous'

While many lauded, others also pointed that their award is a reminder that in most countries, reporting in the interest of the public is "dangerous and requires a lot of courage."

Others pointed the importance of such awards for a democracy – including pro-democracy journalists – in a world filled with trolls, legal harassment and surveillance.