At the second preparatory conference of the
WSIS which is being held in Geneva from 17 to 28 February 2003, the
regional broadcasting unions worldwide have drawn up a document
addressed to both the governments and organizers of the summit.
It is a historical moment because after
several months of negotiations, both public and private
broadcasters throughout the world have adopted a common position
which will be presented under the banner of the "World
Broadcasting Unions".
Contribution
Convinced of the key role
of public and private broadcasting, including digital and enhanced
broadcasting in the years ahead, in bringing about an Information
Society in which all citizens are included and can participate,
Stressing broadcasters'
commitment and contribution to such fundamental values as freedom
of expression, access to information, media pluralism and cultural
diversity,
Believing that the
Information Society should be founded on the principles enshrined
in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in particular
Article 19, on the fundamental right to freedom of expression,
the World Broadcasting Unions
(WBU), comprised of regional Broadcasting Unions representing the
leading radio and television organizations throughout the world,
hereby put forward the following principles and
objectives:
- Communications technology is not
an end in itself; it is a vehicle for the provision of information
and content.
- Freedom of expression, freedom and
pluralism of the media, and cultural diverstiy should be respected
and promoted.
- The electronic media have a vital
role to play in the Information Society.
- Television and radio are crucial
for ensuring social cohesion and development in the digital
world.
- Information should remain
accessible and affordable to
everyone.
Click here for the press release.
