More than 1,000 news brands from 110 countries participated in World News Day, an annual event that champions fact-based journalism globally. That tally was a considerable increase compared to the approximately 800 news brands that were on board last year.

Established in 2018 to promote truth and media literacy, this year’s initiative was coordinated by the World Editors Forum, the Canadian Journalism Foundation, Project Kontinum and the International Fund for Public Interest Media. Participants have included The Financial Times, The New York Times, News24, El Confidencial, The Conversation, McClatchy and hundreds of others. The annual Sept. 28 celebration is held on the United Nations’ Universal Day for Access to Information.

Cherilyn Ireton, who directs the World Editors Forum, one of the event’s sponsors, noted some news companies have multiple news brands and associations have multiple members.

Countries where World News Day was big last year — Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Ireland and Estonia — “have gotten even bigger this year,” according to Ireton, who was “particularly proud that we have also extended our reach to small countries. There was great take-up of the 11 high-quality op-ed pieces on offer. But also of the adverts, video and digital banners.”

World News Day said the campaign moved in a different direction this year, with some associations and companies “taking the baton and doing their own campaigns that suit their local context and journalism needs.” To that end, South African editors used World News Day to launch a campaign: “Overdue appointment with the President” — seeking time for journalists with Cyril Ramaphosa.

In more of a satire, Sunday’s opening of an off-Broadway show about an international newsmaker, Rupert Murdoch, was meant to coincide with World News Day. “Murdoch: The Final Interview” is set up as a televised Q&A with actor Jamie Jackson playing News Corp.’s media mogul. The script for the one-man show was left in a manila envelope at the door of Theater 555 by a playwright, who wished to stay anonymous, according to the show’s producer Eric Krebs. Another characterization of Murdoch’s dealings is being shot in ITV’s and Stan’s drama series “The Hack.”

Fact-based journalism is also being pitched to consumers in other ways. Two weeks ago The Guardian debuted a collaboration with the luxury brand Lingua Franca to play up the importance of independent journalism. The $380 cashmere sweater collection features Guardian-esque phrases like “For Facts’ Sake” and “Facts Are Sacred.” (The “For Facts’ Sake” crewneck pullover is an early bestseller.) A portion of the proceeds from the limited-run collection will benefit the news outlet’s nonprofit that hails independent journalism. The link-up was launched with The Guardian’s first major brand campaign Stateside.

Selling merchandise for added revenue streams is old news for some media companies. The New York Times has a robust assortment of branded fall includes $34 T-shirts, hoodies, $80 “T” sweatpants, and totes with the “Phew! Wordle” shirt being a bestseller. The Times also has an “A1 collection,” which mirrors its name as it appears on Page A1.

Other media outlets like Air Mail and Monocle don’t just sell branded goods — they have freestanding stores. The New York Post is also serving up logo $45 sweatshirts, $60 hoodies and a $35 “Page Six Famous” towel. There’s also a $30 T-shirt imprinted with “Based on a true story” and another $30 T with an image of a rat holding a slice of pizza and wearing a “New York Post” chain.