Global media struggle to define 'freedom'

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Radio and TV broadcasters from over 100 countries are meeting in Geneva this
week at the World Electronic Media Forum (WEMF), a parallel event to the UN
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Journalists from 250
broadcasters are debating the issues raised by the new global media
environment with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and activist groups.
Speakers at the opening session agreed that freedom of the media is
essential to build an open and inclusive information society, and to peace
and development in general. In his opening address, UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan expressed concern that although the electronic media were among
the world's most important vehicles for peace, progress and solidarity, many
millions of people were still outside their reach. But it is clear from the
outset that what represents media freedom for some broadcasters is viewed by
others as a licence to attack the legitimacy of elected governments. The
World Electronic Media Forum sees its role as tackling some of the issues
directly relevant to the media that are at risk of being marginalised at the
main Information Society summit. The WEMF sessions, which end on Friday 12
December, are being broadcast world-wide through the Eurovision network.

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3306743.stm