World Press Freedom Day
The thirty-first annual World Press Freedom Day will be held on May 3. It is a time to reflect on the quality and adequacy of information about events and situations that impact our lives in Canada. Consider the role of journalists and news organizations in obtaining information, obstacles that impede the publication of information that impacts the well-being and freedom of people, the health of our environment, and the administration of justice. World Press Freedom Day is also a time to consider the responsibility of each of us in advocating and protecting freedom of the press.
In south-western Ontario communities our news reporters, radio and television stations generally, in my opinion, function quite well. For example, in London, Mayor Josh Morgan is available weekly on the radio to provide information about local government and respond to citizens who phone in with questions. Newspapers report information about the administration of justice, safety, environmental, and social issues, Local radio explores current problems such as public transportation or traffic safety. Citizens have opportunities to raise concerns through letters to the editor or phone calls to a radio station.
Provincially, information about the public good is less available. Questions arise about private healthcare facilities unjustly charging patients for services, the sale of public land reserved for green spaces, particular developers being favoured, or the construction of highways that many consider unnecessary. At the federal level, news organizations and journalists protected by legislation continue to demand answers about matters pertinent to the public good. Yet the government often fails to respond in a timely or adequate manner. Long-promised revisions of the Access to Information Act languish. We are fortunate to have journalists who will investigate questionable situations, and report possible abuses. Public pressure and the persistence of journalists uncover actions that the government attempts to keep secret, such as the interference of foreign governments in elections, and the sale of scientific information and products to China.
Attempts to prevent or block disclosure of information occur for various reasons. Information about safety concerns may result in fines, lawsuits, loss of reputation, votes, business, or jobs. Competent women are sometimes targeted because they are successful in roles traditionally filled by men such as politicians, police, airplane pilots, or CEOs. In Ontario, there have been several incidents of local female members of city or town councils being targeted by verbal or physical harm. This discourages women from participating in politics. Corruption in political leaders may lead to scandal, theft of public funds, or defeat in elections.
Each of us can help to preserve freedom of information. One way to do this may be by writing a letter to your local city council or member of parliament about a public concern. Respectful complaints or inquiries about concerns encourage the provision of civil answers. Prompt and truthful responses would facilitate trust. Acknowledging errors, failures, and wrongdoing along with what corrective action is being taken is far more acceptable than denial and procrastination.
Democracy cannot survive without freedom of the Press and protecting this freedom is the responsibility of each one of us. On this World Press Freedom Day, may all of us consider ways in which we can support freedom of the press.
-Sister Patricia McKeon
Images: Patrick Fore, Thomas Charters/Unsplash