The respective roles of parliament and the media in providing

the public with objective information, especially on armed

conflicts and the struggle against terrorism

 

Radu PODGOREAN

Member of the Chamber of Deputies

Inter-Parliamentary Group of ROMANIA

 

 

 

Mr. President, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Freedom of expression and the freedom of information are essential foundations of a democratic society, and basic conditions for its progress and the development of every human being. They are also vital for the exercise of all the other fundamental human rights and freedoms. 

 

Media have both the right and the duty to report fully on terrorism and armed conflicts in the interest of the public’s right to know. Parliaments should see to it that the exercise of freedom of expression by the media is guaranteed, while ensuring a proper balance between the need to preserve this freedom and the requirements of an effective action against armed conflicts and terrorism.

 

Attempts to inhibit media access to information related to terrorism and armed conflicts would compromise the very values of democracy, which we stand for. In our view, a responsible coverage of such events is best achieved through self-regulation based on guidelines, codes of ethics and good practices.

 

From a broader perspective, parliaments, within the framework of their legislative and oversight activities, can play a major role in ensuring that public opinion and the media are duly informed about the governmental strategies and actions aimed at preventing and countering terrorism and armed conflicts.

 

Dear colleagues,

 

The complex interaction of mass media with terrorism and armed conflicts has acquired unprecedented features our resolution should address to: firstly, the ever growing utilisation of media by terrorists, aimed at obtaining the strongest possible impact and a maximum attention around the world; secondly, the challenges posed to a responsible media reporting, respectful of journalistic values and ethics, by the increasing broadcasting on informal channels, especially the Internet, of raw news and images produced by non-professional observers.

 

In streamlining parliamentary action to promote objective information on armed conflicts and terrorism, we need to put also into limelight the situation of journalists reporting from risk areas, who often pay dearly efforts to uphold the right of people to be informed. The attacks perpetrated against them are as many violations of the freedom of expression and the freedom of information. Parliaments should support measures for the protection and safety of these media professionals, as a special risk group, focusing on safety training and the provision of relevant information about the specific security situation in each context. 

 

Finally, taking a different, but as much necessary approach, we strongly recommend for our resolution to highlight the role of parliaments in promoting educational programs enabling a critical and informed consumption of the media content on armed conflicts and terrorist acts, as a means to prevent the aggravation of societal tensions.    

 

Thank  you for your kind attention.