WSIS Forum 2017 Challenges and opportunities for journalism online

Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

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Council of Europe Thematic Workshop

Friday, 12:45 – 14:00 Room C1, ITU Tower Thematic Workshop

The Council of Europe is organising a thematic workshop “Challenges and opportunities for journalism online” which will take place during the forthcoming WSIS forum on the 16th June in Geneva.

The workshop will focus primarily on the challenges and opportunities currently faced by news media and journalism as such in the demanding online environment. The debate will cover a number of issues, including:

addressing potential market failures in the production of the public good of independent, professional, quality journalism;
securing an efficient and competitive media market place;
ensuring that citizens develop deeper critical media and information literacy skills necessary to navigate in the information age;
online journalism: preserving or redefining the role of journalists and other media actors in the online environment;
fact-checking and accountability in journalism;
mis- and disinformation disseminated on the internet, filter bubbles and other factors which are driving spread of ”fake news”;
public access to diversified, pluralistic information.

Presentations:

Strasbourg 18 May 2017

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In time of conflict

The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear.

Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage