PRESS freedom is the cornerstone of a truly democratic environment, The Fiji Times publisher Hank Arts said yesterday.
"That, supported by a vigorous news environment is, in my view, the standards we should strive for.
"I am pleased that Fiji is moving in that direction," he said as he welcomed World Press Freedom Day."
Mr Arts, who lived in western countries such as the Netherlands and New Zealand, said he only knew what it was like to live in an environment where press freedom was the norm and accepted in daily lives.
"This is also the first time in my working career that I am closer to the editorial issues and the works of journalists," he said.
"Having been involved at senior level in a number of industries, I now see firsthand the daily efforts that our journalists and editors make to ensure accurate and balanced news coverage that I might previously have taken for granted.
"Press Freedom Day to me also is an opportunity to recognise these efforts."