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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Free press offers vital platform for public debate, says Commonwealth Secretary-General

28 February 2003

Free press offers vital platform for public debate, says Commonwealth Secretary-General
"A free press offers a vital platform for public debate. It allows a diversity of views to be heard on issues of common concern", said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today.
Delivering the closing address at the Commonwealth Press Union Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Mr McKinnon said: "Stifling public debate deprives a society of opportunities for progress. It hampers initiative and harms the spread of new ideas."

"Preventing journalists from reporting the facts does not only deny citizens the right to know, it undermines the democratic dialogue which is at the root of social progress", he added.
Mr McKinnon argued that the media can play a constructive role in focussing interest on issues of public concern and helping us make sense of our world. "At a time of low electoral turnout and increasing distrust of politicians and the political process, it is vitally important for citizens - particularly young people - to be well informed about events that affect their lives. The role of the media, in this respect, is crucial… The print and the electronic media provide citizens with the information they need to participate fully in the democratic process."

The Secretary-General also emphasised the central role played by the media in strengthening democratic systems.

"In too many countries today, democracy comes alive at the ballot poll once every three to five years, and then goes into hibernation until the following elections… Elections, of course, are essential. But a healthy, effective democracy demands much more." And this includes "a vigorous and free press."

Mr McKinnon also pointed out that the media has a crucial role to play in creating a climate of tolerance and promoting a spirit of national reconciliation. "The media have a responsibility not to stoke up the flames of ethnic or communal hatred. They must oppose all forms of racism and discrimination, be it against minorities, foreigners or asylum seekers."
The Secretary-General also drew attention to the media's responsibilities: "It is worth reminding ourselves of the power journalists often wield. They can force policy u-turns, weaken a leader and bring down a government. But with power comes responsibility. This is why it is so crucial that the media adopt codes of conduct and self-regulation."


Note to Editors
The Commonwealth Press Union held its biennial conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 25 to 28 February, 2003. The Commonwealth Secretary-General delivered the closing keynote address today. Last week, Mr McKinnon gave a keynote address at the triennial conference of the Commonwealth Journalists Association in Dhaka, Bangladesh

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