Media Freedoms and Governance in Transitional States

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Media Freedoms and Governance in Transitional
States

• Shigeru AOYAGI
• Director
• UNESCO Kabul

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• 1991 international media giants BBC, CNN,
  Reuters and AP plunged into credibility crisis
  because of
• Uncritical handling of military information
  sources
• Biased reporting which did not take into account
  the Iraqi side of the story
• Focus on technology rather than the human
  suffering it caused

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• One of the outcomes of this was the establishment
  in 1996 of Al Jazeera to provide a counterweight
  to what it called Western bias
• Diversity of viewpoints, especially Islamic
  perspectives
• At one time the only foreign station allowed in
  Taliban-held Afghanistan
• Used by Al Quaida to disseminate messages

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Developments in information technology,
especially digital image management and internet,
meant that editorial power was no longer in the
hands of an urban elite. We the people not
only made news, we could also alter it, report it
and provide commentary.
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• By the time of the 2nd Gulf War in 2003, the role
  of the news media had changed fundamentally
• More reflective and questioning of the notion of
  truth
• Greater editorial transparency and independence
• Acknowledgement of other valid perspectives and
  accounts

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• Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and
  expression this right includes freedom to hold
  opinions without interference and to seek,
  receive and impart information and ideas through
  any media and regardless of frontiers.
• Article XIX

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• Media freedom and access to information are key
  to post-war development and nation building
• Community participation leads to ownership of
  national development agendas
• Politicians and government are made accountable
• A rights-based approach to poverty reduction

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• There are clear correlations between media
  freedoms and
• Increased access to education and higher
  literacy rates
• Increased life expectancy and lower rates of HIV
  transmission
• Reductions in child and maternal mortality and
  malnutrition

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• Ownership of national development strategies
  requires
• An informed and professional media
• A credible media that is seen to criticise
  constructively
• A non partisan and politically independent media

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• Rights bring responsibilities
• Mass media are powerful and new technologies can
  be frightening
• Post-war fragile institutions for law and policy
  making
• Media must work with national authorities in the
  national interest

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• Responsible journalism
• Respects community sensitivities
• Respects the rights of all those engaged in news
  production and consumption
• Respects guidelines set by professional
  associations and national authorities

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• World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2007
• Supporting press freedom
• Promoting the safety of journalists
• Combating impunity