Silence in Reuters newsrooms marks Press Freedom Day

The minute's silence was observed at the most appropriate time for regions and bureaus. UNESCO has called for the mark of respect to take place every year to raise awareness about the safety of journalists who are exposed to violence as they go about their work.

Editor-in-chief Stephen Adler said: "We are committed to making the working environment for journalists as safe as possible and are proud to support such industry-wide initiatives."

The main international event was held in Washington on the theme 21st century media: new frontiers, new barriers.

At Thomson Reuters' London offices, UNESCO and the International News Safety Institute hosted a panel discussion on the Arab Spring: freedom to report. ■