AN Argus columnist will represent the UK on a international press freedom body.

Ivor Gaber, who is professor of political journalism at the University of Sussex, has been re-elected to serve on UNESCO’s inter-governmental Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The body at the Paris-based organisation is responsible for monitoring press freedom.

?In nominating Mr Gaber, the UK representative at UNESCO highlighted the former journalist’s work in the ongoing battle to protect journalists from physical threats, harassment and murder.

He quoted Guy Berger, the head of UNESCO’s Media Freedom Division, who recently described him as “the father of the United Nations Plan to protect journalists”.

Mr Gaber said: “On one hand I am deeply honoured to represent the UK on such an important body that defends, and seeks to extend, media freedom. On the other hand I am saddened that such campaigning is still required. I hope that when my term of office expires, the IPDC can turn to prioritising other pressing media issues, not least the growing problem of the spread of fake news.”

Mr Gaber’s latest column will be in The Argus on Saturday.