WPP Joins Media Freedom Cohort to Support Independent Journalism

Rhea-AI Summary

WPP has joined the Media Freedom Cohort, initiated at the 2021 Summit for Democracy, aimed at supporting independent media globally. Partnering with organizations like Associated Press and The New York Times, WPP will focus on safeguarding journalists, promoting freedom of expression, and enhancing media diversity. Key initiatives include creating dedicated marketplaces for responsible journalism and raising client awareness on its significance. This effort follows WPP's previous commitments in support of credible news with its 'Back to News' initiative.

Positive

• WPP's participation in the Media Freedom Cohort could enhance its reputation as a supporter of independent journalism.
• The initiative aligns WPP with key media organizations and governments, potentially opening new collaboration opportunities.
• Investment in responsible journalism may attract clients who value ethical media practices.

Negative

• No direct financial benefits or metrics from this initiative were disclosed.

Working alongside organisations including Associated Press, The New York Times, Microsoft, Google, BBC Media Action, Free Press Unlimited and more than 25 governments to advance media freedom

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WPP (NYSE: WPP), supported by its media investment arm GroupM, today announced it has joined the Media Freedom Cohort, established during President Biden’s 2021 Summit for Democracy to advocate for free and independent media worldwide.

The Media Freedom Cohort is led by Internews, the world’s largest media support non-profit, and the governments of Canada and the Netherlands.

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 involved in the cohort.

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.

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 our top markets.
• Drive awareness among our clients and the wider industry about the importance of investing in responsible journalism.
• 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.”

The news follows the announcement of GroupM’s latest commitment to support responsible journalism with its ‘Back to News’ initiative in partnership with Internews – a programme that will fund investment of media budgets in credible news publishers around the world.

For more information on the Media Freedom Cohort, please visit the link here.

About WPP

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

About GroupM

GroupM is the world’s leading media investment company with a mission to create a new era of media where advertising works better for people. Responsible for more than $60 billion in annual media investment, according to COMvergence, the company innovates, differentiates, and generates sustained value for clients wherever they do business. GroupM’s portfolio includes agencies Mindshare, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom and mSix&Partners, as well as Choreograph (Data & Technology), GroupM Nexus (Cross-Channel Performance & Activation), and GroupM Investment. Discover more at www.groupm.com.

About Internews

Internews is a nonprofit that supports independent media in 100 countries. Internews trains journalists and digital rights practitioners, tackles disinformation, and offers business expertise to help media outlets thrive financially. For 40 years, it has helped partners reach millions of people with trustworthy information that saves lives, improves livelihoods, and holds institutions accountable. Discover more at www.internews.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230326005058/en/

Alex Davis-Isaac, WPP

+1 646-531-7724

Alex.DavisIsaac@wpp.com

Source: WPP

FAQ

What is the Media Freedom Cohort that WPP joined?

The Media Freedom Cohort is a coalition aimed at advocating for free and independent media globally, established during President Biden’s 2021 Summit for Democracy.

Which organizations is WPP collaborating with in the Media Freedom Cohort?

WPP is working with organizations such as Associated Press, The New York Times, Microsoft, and over 100 governments.

What initiatives has WPP committed to in support of responsible journalism?

WPP has committed to creating marketplaces for responsible journalism, raising awareness about investing in ethical media, and enhancing local media supply.

What is the impact of WPP's new initiatives on its stock symbol WPP?

While the initiatives may enhance WPP's ethical standing, no immediate financial impact was mentioned in the release.

When was the Media Freedom Cohort announced?

The cohort was established during the 2021 Summit for Democracy.