“Censorship is as much with us as it ever was,” said author, lawyer and early Index supporter Louis Blom-Cooper, in a speech to mark the 250th issue of Index on Censorship magazine, during its launch at London’s magCulture on Tuesday 12 July.
The event saw special performances by actor Simon Callow, who read Maya Angelou’s poem Caged Bird, Norwegian singer Moddi, and spoken-word artist Jemima Foxtrot, who had created a poem especially for the occasion.
When the first issue of Index on Censorship magazine was printed in 1972, the world was still in the grip of the Cold War, the internet was embryonic for high-end researchers and Britain had yet to join the European common market.
The next 249 issues chronicled the pressures faced by free speakers and free thinkers all over the world — from Argentina’s Dirty War to the rise of China’s Great Firewall. Against this backdrop of change, Index has remained committed to covering unreported stories and publishing silenced voices.
The event, The Power of Print, was held as a celebration of the magazine’s longevity and constant vigilance, as well as a tribute to all who have shared their stories and struggles.
Rachael Jolley, editor of Index on Censorship magazine, emphasised the importance of magazine culture in our lives today, despite the rise of modern technology. In a short speech she said, “Index is a global magazine read by people all over the world in 172 countries”. She said the global reach has made an impact in promoting the cause of freedom of expression, and reminded those attending of the dangers journalists face worldwide. The latest issue has a special report on the risks of reporting.
“The power of magazines remains as relevant as ever,” added Jeremy Leslie, owner of magCulture, a new specialist magazine shop and a new stockist of the magazine.
Order your full-colour print copy of our journalism in danger magazine special here, or take out a digital subscription from anywhere in the world via Exact Editions (just £18* for the year). Each magazine sale helps Index on Censorship fight for free expression worldwide.
*Will be charged at local exchange rate outside the UK.
Magazines are also on sale in bookshops, including at the BFI and MagCulture in London, Home in Manchester, Calton Books in Glasgow and News from Nowhere in Liverpool as well as on Amazon and iTunes. MagCulture will ship anywhere in the world.
Favourites from the @Index_Magazine archives –“ Letter to my father”, Ken Wiwa – free to read #Index250 https://t.co/hxAs13KvLS
— SAGE Media & Comm (@SAGEmedia_comm) July 13, 2016
Having a great time celebrating @Index_Magazine 250th issue #Index250 pic.twitter.com/GyaBt3TwZ5
— Alex Smith (@suyinsmith) July 12, 2016
Jeremy Leslie of @magculture, our host tonight, on why print is still so powerful today #index250 pic.twitter.com/k8Z6ylSwhB
— IndexCensorshipMag (@Index_Magazine) July 12, 2016
Wonderful reading of Maya Angelou’s Caged Bird by @Simoncallow, one of our great supporters. Thanks Simon #index250 pic.twitter.com/Pvn8UKibA5
— IndexCensorshipMag (@Index_Magazine) July 12, 2016
A shop dedicated to beautiful magazines! Today with a special display of @Index_Magazine. @magculture#index250pic.twitter.com/FiqSWd2LcF
— Vicky Baker (@vickybaker) July 12, 2016
More from the magazine:
Moddi: Unsongs playlist of the banned, censored and silenced
Marking the 250th issue: Contributors choose favourites from the Index on Censorship archives
Survey: Are ad-blockers killing the media?
War reporter Marie Colvin’s family sues Syria
Podcast: Kenyan journalist forced into hiding after reporting news
Journalists under fire and under pressure: summer magazine 2016
Risky business: Journalists around the world under direct attack
