Alliance for Journalists Freedom logo

Calls on Deuterte Government to reopen ABS-CBN and ensure press freedom in the Philippines

hfriedlander, 12th May 2020
Print

At times of crisis, reliable information is a key part of society’s ability to cope and respond.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of broadcaster ABS-CBN in the Philippines is unconscionable.

Lack of a free media makes democracy vulnerable, fractures societies and undermines trust in institutions – especially in Government.

The Filipino public greatly needs reliable information. This is particularly the case given the well documented vulnerability of the Philippines to fake news spread through Facebook.

Governments have a responsibility to maintain their democratic and social systems, and a free media plays an essential role within that.

The closure of ABS-CBN makes the Philippines a less healthy society, and also undermines the ability of the region and the world to respond to this crisis.

The CBAA alongside the undersigned journalists, press freedom groups and media organisations have come together to call on an urgent reinstatement of ABS-CBN’s operating licence and an ongoing commitment to press freedom.

Read the full letter and list of signatories.

Facebook comments

Related

Article

In a major blow to press freedom in Australia, the Federal Court has ruled that the search warrants the Australian Federal Police used to raid the ABC last year were valid. The AJF believes the case underscores the urgent need for a Media Freedom Act, to protect the role of the press in keeping the government accountable.

Article

Join the campaign...

Article

The Australia’s Right To Know media industry advocacy group, which includes the CBAA, has made a submission regarding the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press.