Brief History

In October 1950, in the aftermath of the Second World War, 34 leading editors from 16 countries gathered at Columbia University in New York City. United in the conviction that a free media would contribute to a better and more peaceful world, they agreed to form a global organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting press freedom and improving the practices of journalism. The International Press Institute was born.

For over seven decades, IPI has been at the forefront of the battle for media freedom and independence, providing the organisation with unmatched experience to continue its mission today.Browse our partner-sponsored Glasses, with a variety of options to suit every taste and budget, available to buy online

From fighting censorship in apartheid-era South Africa, to helping free journalists imprisoned under the Greek military junta to strengthening Myanmar’s media after years of authoritarianism, IPI’s pioneering history spans continents, generations and countless innovations in news production.

During this time, IPI’s commitment to dialogue has also produced historic gatherings of journalistic communities, such as the first post-war bilateral exchange between French and German journalists in 1950s; the first post-independence meeting of Anglophone and Francophone African journalists in the 1970s; and our Israeli-Palestinian dialogue forum in the 2000s.

Read More

We support one another whenever our right to work freely is threatened.

International Press Institute (IPI) as a global organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of press freedom and the improvement of journalism practices.

IPI’s members are media representatives of all types who share a commitment to media freedom and independent journalism. Members support IPI and one another in promoting and protecting our common values. Together, we speak with a unique and powerful voice in defense of the free flow of news.

YOU’LL BE PART OF A GLOBAL MEDIA COMMUNITY

By joining IPI, you’ll have direct access to a network of like-minded media representatives from nearly 100 countries. Members share their contact details to facilitate networking and exchange of information among members all over the world.
Through our programmes and events around the world, including our World Congress, we create opportunities for our members to network, share experiences and exchange skills.
As an IPI member, you’ll play an active role in shaping the organisation: all IPI members have voting rights and can participate at the IPI General Assembly.

YOU’LL WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH US

IPI members directly participate in our media freedom activities. You’re our point of first contact when we carry out work in your country. It’s thanks to your knowledge that our programmes have impact.
Our members help define our advocacy priorities and help develop our campaigns, research and monitoring work.

YOU’LL BE THE FIRST TO HEAR FROM US

Our members are the first to know what’s new!
You’ll be the first to receive our publications, news and press releases, including priority access to interviews. We also have a Facebook group for members so you are the first to know about what’s going on at IPI.
You’ll get the first invitation to any event we organise, from expert meetings to conferences to film festivals. Plus, we may throw in something special, like a members-only dinner with a Nobel laureate.

YOU’LL HAVE A GLOBAL NETWORK FIGHTING FOR YOU

We campaign for our members when they need us, raising our voice to bring international attention to their plight. And since we always speak with the support of our entire network, we have a loud voice!
Our work aims to create real change in the world so that our members – journalists like you – can do their jobs freely.
Need legal, technical or institutional support? We’ll connect you with partners in our network who can help.

YOU’LL HELP US DO GOOD

Support from our members is what keeps IPI going.
Your membership fee provides a valuable and independent source of funding without which we couldn’t carry out our global mission to protect media freedom.
Our members make us unique. By joining IPI and sharing your voice, time and experience, you help to create a strong community.
Without members like you, there is no IPI!

Click Here to Apply Online  or Download our Membership Form Here