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The Citizens’ right to information and communication
1. Taking into account the definitions of the right to information and communication of citizens, and the right of access to information, expressed in paragraph 1 of the previous forum, we respect:
1.1. the freedom of the press as the right to report without state censorship. It ensures the ability of each media outlet to choose their editorial line, but this does not remove the obligation to provide verified information or providing a plurality of perspectives.
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1.2 freedom of expression is the right to express oneself without repression. As a conditio sine qua non of democracy, the media could enjoy it and we would see it reflected in editorials or columns, but it should never be confused with the news itemsThe freedom of speech of citizens is a different issue: even when it is respected, it does not usually find space in the media.
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2. We believe that an exclusive emphasis on freedom of expression says nothing about the process through which a society's means of expression are controlled - newspapers, television, radio, films, music and educational material - on whose behalf they operate, and the misinformation that is created. We do not live as a group of individuals with equal rights: there are large differences in the levels of access to power and most of the communication between people is very mediated and filtered. The media, certain international organizations, governments, corporations, special interest groups and many others are vying for attention and trying to influence and control rights, use, access, flow and content of communications.
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3. We believe the control of the mainstream media by the wealthy few creates a problem of self-censorship, because all those editors of daily newspapers, television and radio stations know that if they 'cross the red line', that is, they overstep on certain limits or limitations, they risk to lose their jobs.
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4. We believe that in recent decades the importance of communication rights has increased due to a combination of factors and trends in the field of international information and communications, including among others:
4.1. Corporate dominance and media concentration.
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4.2. Negative effects of media systems on identity(ies) and culture(s).
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4.3. Emergence of ""copyright"" regimes and erosion of the public domain of global knowledge.
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4.4. Limitations on telecommunications and ICT market initiatives.
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4.5. Erosion of civil rights in the digital environment, especially after 9/11.
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5. We believe freedom of expression must aim at improving the quality of life on our planet, and its ultimate goal should be building a better world. Thatmeans using a conceptual approach towards a world in which there is more solidarity, more harmony, more inclusion and more sharing.
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6. We believe basic rethink of our communication systems is needed. People should have a right to communicate, not merely to freedom of expression. People must have a right, and be enabled with the practical means, not simply to say what they like. We must secure conditions for a creative and respectful cycle of communication among individuals and groups that in practice endorse the right of all - equally - to express their ideas, to have them heard, to be listened to, and to be responded to.
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7. We believe that the right to accurate information can be guaranteed and the manipulation of information should be avoided:
7.1. By imposing legal punitive action on media outlets who indulge in manipulation of information.
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7.2. By increasing the credibility of public broadcasting services.
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7.3. By promoting citizen’s media watch, which could be used as a critical tool to guard manipulation of information.
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7.4. By providing incentives for the growth of transparent, accountable, non-for-profit media, in particular for public-interest trusts (both national and international), and for community-owned cooperatives, in terms of geographical and interest-based communities, funded through a tax on advertising (to compensate for its pollution of public communication)  and/or on communication. The objective would be the increase of local participation in disseminating information, and the creation of alternative systems for communication, with wider and free access.
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7.5. By encouraging the use of New Media to carry diverse and multiple public opinion points of view.
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7.6. Raising awareness that the media should have the responsibility to “say less” and be sure that what they say will not create new issues in and among communities, but bridging the gap between problems and their solutions. The media must be silenced [asked to report less and less often] for it to be meaningful. The constant need to report and to discourse on all subjects under the sun must cause trouble even if one is well-meaning. A reduced activity would reverse the issue.
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8. We believe that the emergence of communication rights, in practice, involves the creation of a climate of mutual respect and tolerance, not only among individuals who possess these rights, but also between different communities and cultures, ethnic groups, and nationalities. The rights to communication support the idea and value of diversity.
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9. We believe the Right to Communication can be split into four pillars, each related to a specific domain of existence, experience, and social practice in which communication is a core activity and plays key roles. Each one involves an area of relatively autonomous social action, but relies on others to achieve their ultimate goal:
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9.1. Communicating in the public sphere: concerning the role of communication in the media, and in the exercise of political and democratic participation in society.
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9.2. Communicating Knowledge: concerning the terms and means by which the knowledge generated by society is communicated or blocked, for use by various groups.
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9.3. Civil Rights in Communication: concerning the exercise of civil rights related to the process of communication in society.
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9.4. Cultural Rights in Communication: concerning communication, both at individual and social levels, of different cultures, cultural forms and identities.
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General comments
A major theme emerging above is the inadeqaucy of freedom of expression in the current context. We must go further and ensure that mediated communication is in practice available, especially those on the margins, to get their message out, and to be listened to. This points towards the need for a right to communicate.
Written by S.O'Siochru at 02 / 12 / 2010
A major theme emerging above is the inadeqaucy of freedom of expression in the current context. We must go further and ensure that mediated communication is in practice available, especially those on the margins, to get their message out, and to be listened to. This points towards the need for a right to communicate.
Written by S.O'Siochru at 02 / 12 / 2010
PARA MEDITAR: La tecnología avanza y se hace mucho más eficiente en casi todos los campos. Obviamente mucho hemos progresado en cuanto a instrumentación, en cuanto al desarrollo de herramientas cada vez más potentes, seguras, y con mayores posibilidades. Por cierto las mejoras también han sido sustantivas en materia de intercomunicación; hoy día estamos interligados prácticamente con todas las regiones del mundo y con buena parte de la población mundial, y además el desconocimiento del idioma del interlocutor ya no es una barrera infranqueable. En lo que aún estamos poco desarrollados, en lo que aún nos falta adelantar, es en agregar inteligencia en toda esta estructura social y productiva, ya que ese ingrediente actualmente es en muy buena medida proporcionado directamente y casi exclusivamente por los humanos.
Written by J.Elissalde at 05 / 12 / 2010


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