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Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University (QU) observes World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness about the significance of press freedom and freedom of expression.
The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Information as a Public Good,” serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, as well as to investigate what can be done in the creation, dissemination, and reception of content to improve journalism and advance openness and empowerment by leaving no one behind.
On this occasion, several QU media specialists shared their thoughts on the value of free press.
Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Acting Department Head of Mass Communication, commented: “Journalism and media play a vital role in people’s lives and nations, as without them, the various other subsystems would be unable to function effectively. As a result of their progress in fulfilling their positions, nations ensure the free exchange of ideas, enriching the plurality of viewpoints and theories.”
“However, for journalism to be able to play such a role, the right atmosphere is required, one that makes the person aware of the role, believes in it, and defends it as a human rights development. Only by spreading a culture of freedom of speech can create this climate,” he added.
Kholeh Mortazawi, Academic researcher- Head of Section of Media & Publications said, “There is a significant difference between journalism in the pre-new media era and journalism in the new media era. It has become a source of concern, necessitating the termination of one’s career. On the other hand, it has become less exhausting, but more demanding.”
“To achieve relative balance between media issued by us and media issued to us, significant research and professional efforts that can transform the global media structure are required. As a result, the proper equation between his critical interaction with various global cultures and ideologies will be developed,” she added.
Prof. Saddek Rabah, Professor of Mass Communication said, “I believe we need journalism now more than ever before because it plays an important role in raising awareness, asking critical questions, posing conflicting theories, ascertaining facts, and putting them in a detailed context that helps people move safely in a world controlled by deception, forgery, psychological warfare, and propaganda.”
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme “Information as a Public Good” serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind. The theme is of urgent relevance to all countries across the world. It recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting on our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.
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04/05/2021
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