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Independent media
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Precondition for democracy and development
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Even though the Internet is so widespread, 80 percent of the world’s population still do not have access to independent news coverage. They only hear what governments or elites want them to hear. But access to information is indispensable for people to actively participate in the process of social development or run a business efficiently.
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Information and freedom of speech are human rights
Information is power. This means that promoting diversity of opinion and guaranteeing freedom of speech are key to the social development of a country. This is why the right to freedom of speech and information are universal human rights.
Constitutional states need independent media
The primary functions of the media are to provide information, comments, and entertainment. By providing critical analyses and unprejudiced coverage of news and other developments, they also help ensure the stability and development of constitutional democracies and their economic and social prosperity.
Lack of funding hindering development of free media
In many countries, a lack of capital is a greater obstacle to the freedom of the press than official censorship. The media are often co-funded by influential figures in politics and business. This has a negative impact on journalistic independence. Access to independent sources of finance and management know-how is crucial to build successful and stable media without having to make journalistic compromises. Only on this basis can media organizations perform their sociopolitical function in the long term. responsAbility enables social investors to support this development.
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