Meanwhile - a little more closer to home: I strongly believe a free press is the cornerstone of a democratic society and part of their job is to report of the going-ons of society and at all levels of government whether local, provincial and federal -- both right or wrong. A example of this is the recent reporting by the Kamloops This Week of the Thompson Nicola Regional District Board's decision for severance for its' former CAO/Chief Administrative Officer. Uncomfortable for members of the TNRD Board, for sure, but the power of a free press to question decisions of all level of governments is unfettered.
I too use the media to get the word out on Cariboo RD Area D initiatives and also answer the media for all decisions I make at the Cariboo Regional District Board table, both right and wrong...
Finally - Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in World Press Freedom Day by saying:
“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we reflect on the crucial work of journalists in Canada and around the world. We also honour the dedicated journalists who have lost their liberty or their lives while in pursuit of the truth.
“The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is ‘Journalism without Fear or Favour’. It reinforces the fact that press freedom cannot be achieved unless journalists can work safely, free from censorship, intimidation, and violence. When journalists and other media workers cannot investigate and report without interference, the public is deprived of reliable, accurate information and the foundation of our democracies starts to erode.
“Freedom of expression and access to information are vitally important, even more so during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Journalists are working tirelessly on the front lines, at home, and abroad to report on a rapidly evolving global health crisis. But they are doing much more than that: they are keeping us informed and helping us stay safe.
“A free-thinking, independent, and respected media is the cornerstone of any democracy. One cannot exist without the other. That is why Canada continues to defend press freedom and condemn all attempts to stifle the press. It is also why, together with other members of the Media Freedom Coalition, Canada calls on all states to protect access to free media and support the free exchange of information during this pandemic.
“Today, we recognize all the journalists and media workers who start conversations, shine light on stories that would otherwise not be told, expose injustices, and hold the powerful to account – often at great personal risk. They are a vital part of all healthy democracies and, through their work, they spur change and increased transparency that benefit all of us.”
No comments:
Post a Comment