wfn.org | WACC Statement on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2009

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

WACC Statement on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2009

> (Toronto, April 30)

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2009 , the World
Association for Christian Communication (WACC) recognizes ­ along
with many others ­ that freedom of the press underlies democracy and
enhances freedom of expression. The capacity of the "fourth
estate" to hold governments and public institutions accountable, to
inform and alert the world's people is indispensable.

> Full statement ....

The potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding
and reconciliation is the theme of the UN World Press Freedom Day
2009.

WACC recognizes ­ along with many others ­ that freedom of the
press underlies democracy and enhances freedom of expression. The
capacity of the "fourth estate" to hold governments and public
institutions accountable, to inform and alert the world's people is
indispensible. And never more so than in an age of 24/7 digital
communication.

Press freedom is essential for the media to foster dialogue,
challenge violations of human rights and the rule of law, and expose
corruption. Press freedom is a matter of life and death. Already in
2009, Reporters Without Borders has recorded the deaths of 18
journalists and the imprisonment of 143 journalists and 66
cyberdissidents. Article 19 recently highlighted the plight of women
journalists in Yemen, who are subject to censorship and slanderous
attacks â??simply because they are womenâ??. Journalists  everywhere
must be able to practice their profession without fear and censorship.
The resurgence of official censorship in Fiji is of particular concern
on this World Press Freedom Day.

Good governance and informed democratic participation depend on a
free press. They also depend on diverse and pluralistic media that
follow high professional and ethical standards of accuracy and
inclusiveness, and that are not beholden to special private or
political interests. Only the observance of high professional
standards enables the media to hold or gain credibility with the
public. A public well served by a highly professional and ethical
press is a public that will see value in press freedom.

Thus, media responsibility and accountability in combination with
press freedom lie at the heart of democratic processes. With this in
mind, civil society media observatories have begun to monitor media
content and to critique media ownership and control. Media reform
movements in Europe, Latin America and North America underscore the
need and desire for an inclusive, diverse, vibrant and fair media free
from political and commercial special interests.

When the mass media are free, independent, responsible and
accountable can they contribute meaningfully to the life and liberty
of the populations they serve. A free press that gives voice to
minorities and marginalized groups promotes dialogue and mutual
understanding among the different groups in society.

Press freedom in combination with media professionalism and
responsibility enables spaces in which to inform and be informed, to
debate public-policy making and the way powerful public and private
institutions are run. Together they enable alternative points of view
and ­ ultimately ­ truth-telling in matters of public concern.
.

WACC stands for communication rights in a pluralistic society. We
believe that press freedom in combination with media professionalism,
responsibility and accountability is vital to open dialogue and debate
in a world of diversity. Media practitioners and civil society can
work together to bring this about.

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