Speaking to journalists gathered for World Press Freedom Day commemoration organized by MISA Swaziland on Tuesday 3 May 2011 at Mountain Inn hotel in Mbabane, Cloud said World Press Freedom Day was a time when all citizens must take time to think about the role of a free press and what it means to society.
To this end, he said journalists should, therefore, not be the only ones standing for press freedom “but each one of us who recognize the value of an informed citizenry must also stand up for this fundamental right.”
Cloud then paid tribute to those journalists who have been brave enough to speak the truth to power even when that truth was uncomfortable for the leaders.
“The role of a journalist is that of a watchdog, a guardian for the guardians,” he said. “If a free press does not hold the powerful accountable, then citizens are often without recourse,” he added.
Quoting the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Cloud said when a free media is jeopardy all other human rights are also threatened.
“So in that spirit, let us continue to champion those who stand for media freedom and expose those who would deny it. And let us always work toward a world where the free flow of information and ideas remains a powerful force for progress.”
Cloud further noted that since the beginning of this year 16 journalists were killed in the line of duty around the world. He said this underscored the fact that the job of a journalist was not an easy one.
Cloud further said according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, there are currently 145 journalists held in prisons worldwide and others are currently missing or detained. Many others are subject to regular threats and intimidation.
“Yet, despite these risks there are countless journalists who continue to report and to inform their communities. Today we honor their commitment and courage,” he said.
On the day’s theme: ‘21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers’, Cloud said the theme was certainly a reflection of our times. There is no doubt we are in a new era, he said.
“As the world changes, the definition of press freedom is changing too. We are no longer limited to getting our information from our local TV, radio and print media. The Internet allows us to access and share information instantly and globally. Citizen journalists and social media users are playing a leading role in this information sharing.
“The Internet has provided many people around the world with a safe space for political and social dialogue where no such space existed previously. It has amplified demands for freedom of expression, generated vibrant and open discussions and connected citizens of the world with one another. It has empowered people to participate in the public lives of their countries. For those of us with access to the Internet, our access to information will never be the same,” he said. //End//
Reagan Malumo
Programme Specialist: Media Freedom Monitoring and Research
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Secretariat
21 Johann Albrecht St
Private Bag 13386
Windhoek
Namibia
Phone: +264 61 232 975
Fax: +264 61 248 016
Mobile: +264 81 311 2626
Official Email: reagan(@)misa.org
Private Email: reagan32002(@)yahoo.com
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