WPP, supported by its media investment arm GroupM, has joined the Media Freedom Cohort which advocates for free and independent media worldwide.
Led by Internews and the governments of Canada and the Netherlands, the Media Federation Cohort is the world’s largest media support non-profit.
As part of the cohort, WPP will work alongside organisations including Associated Press, The New York Times, Microsoft, Google, BBC Media Action, Free Press Unlimited and more than 100 governments.
The cohort focuses on protecting journalists’ safety and security, advancing freedom of expression, and bolstering independent and diverse media.
Through its media investment arm GroupM, WPP has committed to:
Create dedicated marketplaces exclusively with domains vetted by Internews’ Ads for News for responsible journalism across its top markets, drive awareness among its clients and the wider industry about the importance of investing in responsible journalism, and add the domains for responsible journalism in local media supply offered to clients.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “Independent journalism plays a vital role around the world and we are pleased to be able to support that through GroupM. We look forward to working with the Media Freedom Cohort to ensure a diversity of credible media outlets worldwide.”
Christian Juhl, CEO of GroupM, added: “A healthy media ecosystem depends on a thriving news business that supports journalists and incentivizes fact-based reporting. 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.”
Established during President Biden’s 2021 Summit for Democracy, WPP’s joining of the cohort comes ahead of the second Summit for Democracy, due to take place this week.
