Within the framework of the signing of the Santiago +30 Declaration, representatives of global journalism and academic authorities highlighted the relevance of this initiative that reaffirms the commitment to press freedom as a pillar of democracy.
In a ceremony held at the Central House of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, the rector Ignacio Sánchez gave a few words of welcome to the International Media Meeting, in which he supported the work and role of journalism.
“It is thanks to the work of the press, its courage and perseverance, rigor and critical sense that societies become informed, and make decisions that ultimately impact their democratic future. Within the framework of World Press Freedom Day that is celebrated in our country, it is necessary to highlight the role of the press in a free society, in a democratic society,” he stated.
Fernando de Yarza, president of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), warned that the threat and totalitarian temptation extends to the entire world, and in that sense he called to defend the role of traditional media, which, as the + 30 Declaration says, is the cornerstone of democracy.
“This Declaration gives a framework to all stakeholders in the sector, the media, governments, states, platforms, of where we have to go. For me it is an honor to sign this Declaration, because it is extremely important for liberal democracies, for freedom. This document will be the light that guides us into the future regarding what we have to do,” said Fernando de Yarza.
Roberto Rock, president of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), also highlighted the importance of signing this Declaration. “Today we are taking a substantive step to walk together, arm in arm, in unity, without false prominence hindering us. Without regard to ideological orientations, geographical or other issues. We know that above all there is the greater interest of ensuring good journalism and the sustainability of the journalism industry. The challenges we face are the same, and the adversaries of freedoms take refuge in identical toxic practices and narratives,” said the top representative of the IAPA.
For his part, Eduardo Sepúlveda, president of the National Press Association (ANP), highlighted the priority role of the press, in the context of the signing of the Declaration. “It’s not that press freedom is important for democracy. Freedom of the press is democracy. And let me add one more thing: between civilization and barbarism there is also a fine line of ink, with which the newspapers that have helped sustain our democracies have been printed. And just as in many parts of the world there has been an attempt to discredit, dismantle or refound the police, the same thing happens with the press. Many powerful people would like the press to not exist. Or at least not an untamed and unsubmissive press, as we believe we should be,” he concluded.
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