Olivia Pirie-Griffiths becomes executive director of The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom
The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom has appointed Olivia Pirie-Griffiths as its executive director.
Founded by journalist Peter Greste, communications consultant Peter Wilkinson and Gilbert+Tobin partner Chris Flynn, the alliance aims to promote press freedom and address ongoing threats to the freedom of the press in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific.
Pirie-Griffiths: “The AJF’s task is one that will help define the future of journalism”
The initiative, backed by Google, the University of Queensland, Conexus Financial, Media Super, Wilkinson Butler, and Gilbert + Tobin, was established in 2017.
As executive director, Pirie-Griffiths will be responsible for managing and supporting Australian and Asian-Pacific campaigns to protect journalists, growing the Alliance’s community and develop sustainable funding sources.
Pirie-Griffiths said: “The AJF’s task is one that will help define the future of journalism and, on a broader level, aid the public’s ability to trust and be truly informed. I am immediately concerned about the jailed Myanmar Thomson Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.”
Peter Greste, whose 400-day incarceration in Egypt led to the inception of the AJF, added: “The free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. When it is restricted or silenced, human rights suffer, and our ability to live in a healthy society suffers.
“With Olivia’s appointment we can build a strong AJF dedicated to protecting journalists so they can hold government and business to account, and in the process keep democracy strong.”
Peter Wilkinson, Chair of the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom, also welcomed Pirie-Griffiths, saying: “We welcome Olivia to the AJF. She brings energy in campaigning, fundraising and a creative mind. We look forward to the AJF’s development in 2019 and beyond.”
topics
Alliance for Journalists' Freedom
Chris Flynn
Olivia Pirie-Griffiths
Peter Greste
Peter Wilkinson
