“Maria Ressa teaches us every day the potential for journalism to better the world. She is an inspiration,” said Sheetal Vyas, Executive Director of the International Fund for Public Interest Media.

Vyas added that the decision by the Nobel committee to award this year’s peace prize to two journalists was an endorsement not just of the work of these journalists as individuals, but the cause of media freedom and independence. 

Mark Thompson, co-chair of the Fund, said Ressa exemplifies the kind of journalism – independent, trustworthy, fearless – that IFPIM has been founded to sustain. “It’s great to see her and Dmitry Muratov being recognised in this way,” he said. 

Thompson and Ressa were recently announced as the co-chairs of the board of the Fund. The International Fund is an independent, multilateral initiative dedicated to supporting independent journalism and the provision of trustworthy information around the globe. It aims to nurture and safeguard a sector that in many countries faces a potentially deadly combination of state hostility and economic disruption.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Maria to help support journalists and editors all over the worth who share her commitment and her values,” Thompson said. 

Ressa has emphasised the value of journalism to strengthen democracy. “If you can make people believe your lies, then you can control them,” she said. “That’s what authoritarians are doing and that’s why it’s so critical we have vibrant independent media in every country, to uncover truth and hold power to account.”