Appeal of 18 June 2010 for a free press
Organisation:
Appeal of 18 June 2010 for a free press
To all French journalists and citizens
Whereas the government is trying to influence the future of one of the country’s leading dailies,
Whereas humorists are being called to order because of their irreverence,
Whereas journalists protecting their sources or doing their duty are placed under investigation as if they were common thieves or dangerous criminals,
Whereas these events have ironically taken place just a few months after parliament adopted a law protecting journalists’ sources,
Whereas France has a disgracefully low position (43rd) in the Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index,
We, journalists who are independent and who would like to remain so, and citizens who value access to freely and independently reported news and information, have decided to launch this appeal in homage to the person who proclaimed the rebirth of a Free France exactly 70 years ago today. -------------------------------- To all French journalists and citizens Politicians and business leaders who have for many years being trying to put their supporters in charge of the media have formed a government. This government has stepped up the fight against the independent press. It is true, we have been and still are overwhelmed by the media’s economic difficulties. Infinitely more than their number, it is the manoeuvres, legal actions and acts of intimidation of the government and its allies that are causing us to retreat. It was their manoeuvres, legal actions and acts of intimidation that surprised the staff of our newspapers to the point of bringing them to where they are today. But has the last word been said? Must hope disappear? Is defeat final? No! Believe me, I who am speaking to you with full knowledge of the facts, and who tell you that nothing is lost for the free press in France. The same means that overcame us can bring us victory one day over or censors. For French journalists are not alone! We are not alone! We have vast support behind us. We can align with our readers and viewers who like their media to be outspoken and who continue the fight. They can, as in other countries, use without limit the immense desire for freely-reported news. This battle is not limited to the unfortunate territory of our country. This war is a worldwide war. All the mistakes, all the kow-towing, all the dishonest compromises do not alter the fact that there are, in the world, all the means necessary to defeat our censors one day. Vanquished today by the force of influence and finance, we will be able to overcome by a superior campaigning force. The fate of our media and our freedom depends on it. I, Journalist, invite readers, listeners and viewers, as well as media editors and professionals, who are located in French territory or who might end up here, to sign this appeal. Whatever happens, the flame of the independent press must not be extinguished and will not be extinguished. Tomorrow, as today, we will remain mobilised.
To all French journalists and citizens
Whereas the government is trying to influence the future of one of the country’s leading dailies,
Whereas humorists are being called to order because of their irreverence,
Whereas journalists protecting their sources or doing their duty are placed under investigation as if they were common thieves or dangerous criminals,
Whereas these events have ironically taken place just a few months after parliament adopted a law protecting journalists’ sources,
Whereas France has a disgracefully low position (43rd) in the Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index,
We, journalists who are independent and who would like to remain so, and citizens who value access to freely and independently reported news and information, have decided to launch this appeal in homage to the person who proclaimed the rebirth of a Free France exactly 70 years ago today. -------------------------------- To all French journalists and citizens Politicians and business leaders who have for many years being trying to put their supporters in charge of the media have formed a government. This government has stepped up the fight against the independent press. It is true, we have been and still are overwhelmed by the media’s economic difficulties. Infinitely more than their number, it is the manoeuvres, legal actions and acts of intimidation of the government and its allies that are causing us to retreat. It was their manoeuvres, legal actions and acts of intimidation that surprised the staff of our newspapers to the point of bringing them to where they are today. But has the last word been said? Must hope disappear? Is defeat final? No! Believe me, I who am speaking to you with full knowledge of the facts, and who tell you that nothing is lost for the free press in France. The same means that overcame us can bring us victory one day over or censors. For French journalists are not alone! We are not alone! We have vast support behind us. We can align with our readers and viewers who like their media to be outspoken and who continue the fight. They can, as in other countries, use without limit the immense desire for freely-reported news. This battle is not limited to the unfortunate territory of our country. This war is a worldwide war. All the mistakes, all the kow-towing, all the dishonest compromises do not alter the fact that there are, in the world, all the means necessary to defeat our censors one day. Vanquished today by the force of influence and finance, we will be able to overcome by a superior campaigning force. The fate of our media and our freedom depends on it. I, Journalist, invite readers, listeners and viewers, as well as media editors and professionals, who are located in French territory or who might end up here, to sign this appeal. Whatever happens, the flame of the independent press must not be extinguished and will not be extinguished. Tomorrow, as today, we will remain mobilised.
Published on
Updated on
20.01.2016
France
