On World Press Freedom Day, an evolved ‘Santiago + 30 Declaration’ addresses new political, social, and technological challenges journalism faces.
The Inter-American Press Association, WAN-Ifra, the Committee to Protect Journalists and national media associations from nine countries in Latin America and Europe have come together in what is seen as a powerful display of unity and collaboration among the signatory entities.
Gathered at a meeting organised by the National Press Association in Chile, journalistic entities propose a fresh perspective on the ‘Santiago Declaration’ published in 1994 in the Chilean capital under the auspices of UNESCO.
The evolved version is a continuation and evolution of its principles and commitments, reaffirming the ‘commitment to a free press, vibrant public discourse, and the flourishing of democratic societies in Ibero-America and the Caribbean’.
Its content was presented during UNESCO’s conference cycle, starting with a panel today in Chile. The panel – featuring WAN-Ifra president Fernando De Yarza López-Madrazo and IAPA president Roberto Rock, provided a platform for further discussion and action.
Among its highlights, the document calls on states to avoid narratives of political polarisation, protect journalists, ensure the free flow of information and access to public information, support the sustainability of independent journalism, and encourage balanced negotiation conditions between media outlets and technological companies for content distribution.
It also calls on intergovernmental organisations to promote public policies in favour of a plural and independent press, encourage the creation of media outlets in rural areas, and promote public campaigns for media and digital literacy.
To technology companies, it urges transparency in content moderation policies, combating disinformation, respecting copyright and intellectual property laws, exploring new sustainable business models for all parties, ensuring fair compensation for news content they distribute, and observing competition principles in the advertising ecosystem.
Media outlets and journalists are urged to resist censorship, self-censorship, and undue influence, uphold principles of quality and transparency, create safety protocols for their personnel, and strengthen their gender, racial, and diversity inclusion policies. They are also encouraged to explore new business models and tools for greater sustainability.
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