Baku, Azerbaijan, 2 July 2010 – European public service broadcasters meeting in Azerbaijan have called on all governments to respect freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
“The right to freedom of expression and information takes precedence over political or economic interests, and States have a duty to ensure and protect this fundamental cornerstone of democracy,” they said in a declaration adopted at a General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union*.

Hosted by Azerbaijan’s national broadcaster, Ictimai, the Assembly is attended by 150 delegates, including directors general from the public broadcasters of 43 countries in and around Europe.

 “[The EBU ...] condemns arrests, harassment and intimidation of journalists and calls upon governments to investigate all instances of violence against journalists and bring to justice those responsible,” the declaration said.

The EBU President, Jean Paul Philippot noted:
“All journalists must be allowed to do their job, to give a free and impartial report of events of interest to the public, without fear of recriminations.”
The declaration described the Internet and social media networks as “crucial to media pluralism in a democratic society”, Mr. Philippot added:
“Media freedom has to extend across all media, and in particular it must include the internet and social media which are important tools for freedom of expression. The potential for social networks to enhance freedom of expression and democracy must not be stifled”.

Click here to download the full text of the declaration(pdf document).