![]() He also highlighted the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Yekaterinburg last month for alleged spying, saying the former Times journalist “remains in Russian custody for sham charges and should be released.” Support independent journalism He provided examples from across the globe, including Russia, where “journalists who dare to even acknowledge the war in Ukraine face long prison terms.” That's because gaining control of information is essential to gaining control of everything else,” he added. “All over the world autocrats and those who aspire to join their ranks have used censorship, media repression, and attacks on journalists to consolidate power. And when democracy erodes, you can be sure that the free press will be the first target,” he said. “And sure enough, this period of weakness for the press has coincided with destabilized democracies and emboldened autocracies. Sulzberger warned that erosion of the free press is almost always followed by democratic erosion. “The Internet also unleashed the avalanche of misinformation, propaganda, punditry and clickbait that now overwhelms our information ecosystem, often drowning out credible journalism and accelerating the decline in societal trust,” he said. He said the moment was short-lived as the same technology that allowed journalists to reach people everywhere also forced many thousands of newspapers to close, and digital outlets that emerged were unable to fill the void, particularly in providing critical local and investigative reporting. News organizations also enjoyed “historic financial strength” and seemed well positioned to inform the public. Sulzberger reflected on how the media landscape has evolved since 1993 - a period of optimism characterized by the apparent end of Cold War divisions, the emergence of fledgling democracies, and technological advancements in information and connectivity. “Without journalists to provide news and information that people can depend on, I fear we will continue to see the unraveling of civic bonds, the erosion of democratic norms, and the weakening of the trust in institutions and in each other that is so essential to the global order,” he said. Azoulay noted that these challenges are happening at the exact moment when journalists are needed more than ever, as the advent of the digital era has changed the entire information landscape.Īlthough the Internet has opened new channels for information and expression, it has also provided fertile ground for those seeking to sow disinformation and conspiracy theories. A 2021 report revealed that three out of four women journalists have been the victim of online harassment, prompting UNESCO to issue recommendations for digital platforms to step up protection. It is a matter for society as a whole.”įurthermore, reporters are also coming under attack in cyberspace. ![]() She said the level of impunity for these crimes sends a chilling message because “the security of journalists is not a matter just for journalists or international organizations. Hundreds more were attacked or imprisoned. “Oftentimes, they were at home with their family,” she said. Last year, 86 journalists were killed, mainly outside war zones. Deadliest year for journalistsĭelivering opening remarks, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UN cultural agency UNESCO, which advocates for the protection of journalists, said 2022 was the deadliest year for the profession. Prominent journalists and the heads of media and human rights organizations from around the world are attending the event, sharing their experiences and opinions in several panels on subjects such as multilateralism and freedom of expression. The Secretary-General is away from New York and a video of his message was played during a ceremony in the General Assembly Hall to commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |