Pres. Obama has released a statement on World Press Day, observed every May 3.

“It is a day in which we celebrate the invaluable role played by the media in challenging abuses of power, identifying corruption, and informing all citizens about the important issues that shape our world. It is also a day for us to sound the alarm about restrictions on the media as well as the threats, violence or imprisonment of many of its members and their families because of their work.”

2011 was the deadliest year on record for media professionals. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports at least 46 journalists were killed worldwide in direct retaliation for their work in 2011. CPJ is investigating 35 other deaths to determine whether they were work-related.

Earlier today two Mexican photographers were found dead in a canal in the state of Veracruz.