Time Magazine Names Journalists as Person of the Year
Celebrating those who dare to speak truth in dangerous times
Time Magazine’s annual “Person of the Year” honor is a nod to the biggest influencers of the year — and this year, the spotlight falls on fearless journalists. The publication singled out four stories: the deadly loss of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, the imprisonment of Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo by Myanmar, the outspoken Philippines media titan Maria Ressa, and the brave staff of the Maryland paper that endured a tragic mass shooting.
Key awardees
- Jamal Khashoggi – slain inside a Saudi consulate in Turkey two months ago.
- Wa Lone & Kyaw Soe Oo – 32‑ and 28‑year‑old Reuters reporters jailed in Myanmar for digging into Rohingya killings.
- Maria Ressa – CEO of the Philippine site Rappler, known for its sharp criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte.
- Capital Gazette staff – staffers of the Annapolis, Maryland newspaper that survived a June shooting that claimed five lives.
Time’s editor, Ben Goldberger, said the selection “is a reminder that free expression and a shared understanding of facts are the bedrock of democracy.” The magazine notes it has traditionally honored individuals from all walks of life, including civil‑rights icons and monarchs; this year it flips the script and honors the profession itself.
Why these stories matter
When Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested on a colonial‑era Official Secrets Act, the move sparked global concern over Myanmar’s democratic future. Their case, now a year since the jail time began, illustrates how journalists can be penalized for exposing truth.
Meanwhile, Jamal Khashoggi was the first to receive the Person of the Year posthumously. The U.S. Senate and the CIA have implicated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the hit, a claim the prince denies. His death shocked the world because he was a vocal critic of his own homeland.
Maria Ressa’s Rappler has faced tax‑evasion charges in the Philippines, yet the site remains a voice that challenges the Duterte administration’s narratives. Her presence on the cover signals the stakes of a free press in countries under authoritarian pressure.
Impact on the journalism community
The covers showcase the families and colleagues of these journalists. One cover, for example, shows the wives of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo clutching photos of their husbands, underscoring the personal cost of press freedom.
Margin of voice: “Honoring their work is crucial, especially now when reporters worldwide face unprecedented threats,” said Margaux Ewen of Reporters Without Borders. Her words echo a sentiment shared by the editors and the broader media community.
Looking forward
Time’s choice reminds readers that democracy thrives when people can learn the truth. Recognizing these journalists not only pays tribute to their courage but also raises awareness of the continuing challenges faced by reporters resisting powerful interests. The Message? Protect free expression, protect democracy.
