Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day (3 May), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities’ Rapporteur on local and regional media, Mélanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG) has made the following statement:

“In the current context of democratic backsliding, polarisation of society and declining citizens’ trust in democratic institutions, it is more important than ever to support trustworthy local and regional media as a source of objective information and a tool to foster inclusive and cohesive communities.

“The disappearance of local and regional media outlets is an alarming trend we are witnessing today. Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in reversing this trend, by supporting community media as an important actor in countering disinformation, fake news and hate speech, promoting dialogue within communities and contributing to uphold the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law at local and regional levels.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, let us remember that the existence of independent media – including local and regional media trusted by the public in local and regional communities - is a key element of democracy and a rampart against democratic backsliding.”

Contact: Congress Communication Unit: +33 (0)3 88 41 38 90