Joint Statement By DG7 On Critical Role Of Freedom Of Information

A group of the world’s leading international broadcasters say that freedom of information and access to fact-based, verifiable journalism is critical to peace. The statement, issued on behalf of the representatives of Australian Broadcasting Corporation [Australia], British Broadcasting Corporation [United Kingdom], the Broadcasting Board of Governors [US], Deutsche Welle [Germany], France Médias Monde, Japan Broadcasting Corporation [Japan] and Radio Netherlands Worldwide, said, “We, the members of the DG7, at our annual meeting this year in Tokyo November 30-December 1, have reaffirmed our support for global freedom of information and expression, articulated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."