Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2010-09-07-Speech-2-571"
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"en.20100907.33.2-571"2
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"Madam President, the virtues of freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, no longer need to be demonstrated.
The right to information, and access to information, accompanied by a multiplicity of sources, are at the heart of the democratic process. This allows citizens to form their opinions freely, and allows the media to make sure that they can play the role of partners in the dialogue which takes place between citizens and those in power.
What characterises the media, then, is their neutrality, objectivity and precision. Yet in my country, Bulgaria, it was not long ago that the media and the press served the aims of an ideological regime which we all condemned in 1989. Twenty years later, the legacy is here, advances have been made, and it is important that there are warnings to allow us to remain vigilant and not to turn our attention away from the essentials.
I would like to address three points here. First, making sure that freedom of expression and freedom of the media are guaranteed. However, this is a process with a double meaning. Freedom must not damage the freedom of others. Building and working on a framework of mutual confidence and respect seems to me to be an important element of relations between the media and individuals.
Next, in their role as the ‘fourth power’, the media ensure democratic control. However, this control must be accompanied by verification of sources and by transparency, which will avoid the exploitation of the media for corporate, commercial, economic or political ends. Reliability of sources, transparency with respect to the income of media proprietors, and objective dissemination of information can only lead to progress for our societies.
Finally, we must bear in mind the role of journalists. Respect for professional ethics, independence and respect for fundamental freedoms are valuable indicators for all journalists who see themselves as professionals. Preventing standardisation and combating over-information, which often has regrettable consequences, are objectives which today’s media must pursue.
Finally, freedom does not include submission. This is why submission to the laws of audience ratings, large monopolies, depoliticisation of important subjects and over-politicisation of subjects concerning society are contrary to the role of the media as vectors of free information, liberated from all interests other than the common interest."@en1
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