World Press Freedom Day 2025

Dr. Peter Laufer is the James Wallace Chair Professor in Journalism, School of Journalism and Communication. Laufer’s writing focuses on borders, migration, identity, and animal rights.

Charlie Deitz, Ph.D., is an instructor of Media Studies and Journalism at the University of Oregon. He worked with the Crossings Institute founders to design the initial application and associated documents to get UNESCO-certification and managed the editorial team at the 30th anniversary World Press Freedom Day event in New York City.

Tarek Anthony is a journalism and political science student at the University of Oregon. He focuses on investigative reporting with a special interest in the Middle East and is passionate about international coverage and foreign policy.

Nahla Bendefaa is a digital content creator, strategist, and project management consultant based in Eugene, OR. Her work has spanned quasi-governmental organizations, public radio and non-profit journalism, corporate communications, and higher education administration.

Zachary Jones Neuray is a reporter based in the Pacific Northwest, originally from Brussels, Belgium. Jones Neuray’s multicultural background cemented his passion for cross cultural storytelling. Throughout his career, Jones Neuray has been a contributor on the Daily Emerald, served on Carolyn Long’s 2018 midterm campaign, and reported with the Catalyst Solutions Journalism Project.

James Lejeune is a third-year Journalism major with a minor in Political Science. He focuses on longer-form reporting, with an emphasis on feature writing. He aims to grow his writing skills through interesting and in-depth interviewing.

Ed Madison is an associate professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, and is an affiliate faculty member at the UO College of Education, the Agora Journalism Center, and the Center for Science Communication Research (SCR). Madison has a 27-year track record as an executive producer/director of network television, film, and commercial projects.

Terry Phillips is a veteran war correspondent and a technology executive. During the waning days and aftermath of the Cold War, he covered breaking news on five continents for various media outlets including CBS, NBC, NPR and Monitor Radio. Phillips has lectured to students of journalism, political science and public relations around the world. He is the author of a historical novel, Murder at the Altar, as well as numerous audio and stage plays. Phillips also edits academic works, most recently a three-volume work on the writings of William Saroyan. He currently serves as Vice President for Communications at OmniPoint Cyber.

Damian Radcliffe is a journalist, researcher, and Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism at the University of Oregon. With over 25 years of experience in the media industry, Damian has worked in editorial, strategic, research, policy and teaching roles in the USA, Middle East and UK. This includes roles in all media sectors (commercial, public, government, regulatory, academic, and nonprofit/civil society) and all platforms (print, digital, TV and radio).