| |  Press Freedom
"...there is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press."
--Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Remarks at the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Program, April 10, 2007
May 3rd marks the annual commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the U.S. and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society. The U.S. commends journalists around the world for the important role they play, and for their commitment to the free exchange of ideas.
The U.S. in particular salutes those in the press who courageously do their work at great risk. The press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes. Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines of conflict zones, and to highlight missteps by governments. This work places many journalists in danger, and it is the duty of governments and citizens worldwide to speak out for their protection and for their vital role in open societies.
Threats to a Free Press
Reports indicate that over 110 journalists and media workers were killed in 2006, making it the bloodiest year on record for journalism. These incidents highlight the significant dangers journalists and media workers throughout the world as well as the need to improve respect for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
The U.S. is concerned with a number of countries that have continually poor conditions for the press, as well as countries with deteriorating conditions. See our fact sheet for examples of these countries.
The U.S. Record in Supporting World Press Freedom
The U.S. has a strong track record in promoting and protecting press freedom and will continue this work:
- Reporting and denouncing violations
The State Department documents press freedom worldwide in its annual Country Reports on Human Rights. For the first time, the 2006 reports include a section on Internet repression. These reports spotlight the threats facing a free press, and are a tool for governments, NGOs and citizens. The U.S. also speaks out when press freedoms are under siege, as we did when independent Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya was brutally murdered in 2006.
- Supporting a free press through programs and exchanges
The United States has a strong record of supporting NGOs that promote a free press abroad. The U.S. provides professional development for journalists, editors and media managers from countries worldwide; supports professional exchanges and civic education programs such as the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Program for enterprising foreign journalists; and provides assistance for the production of radio and television programs that are independent of state-controlled media.
- Promoting Internet Freedom
Internet freedom is a key component of press freedom in the 21st Century. Secretary Rice launched the Global Internet Freedom Task Force (GIFT) in February 2006, focused on maximizing the free flow of information and ideas on the Internet while minimizing the success of repressive regimes in censoring such information. The U.S. is committed to supporting innovative approaches to combating Internet censorship, and provides grants to cutting-edge programs that will combat internet censorship.
The U.S. will continue to promote a free and active press, in partnership with other governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs and individuals around the world. | |
