Freedom of Speech and the Freedom and Safety of those who Report and Comment on Events and Issues that are Fundamental to Freedom of Speech
Apr 9, 2015 – A Statement by the Broadcasting Unions united in the association of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU)
Broadcasters around the world reach hundreds of millions of viewers and listeners every hour of every day. Their news and journalism informs and enlightens citizens to empower them to make informed choices about the community, country and indeed the world they live in.
This journalistic mandate applies both to the public and private broadcaster. With it comes the responsibility to ensure that the highest quality and standards are central to the editorial process. It is therefore essential that all the necessary support is given to journalists to enable them to work to the best of their abilities in sometimes critical, extreme and dangerous situations. By doing this the broadcasting community is contributing to the core values of a civil society, as expressed so well in the Universal Charter of Human Rights, Article 19:
About NABA:
NABA is a non-profit association of the most influential broadcasting organizations throughout North America committed to advancing the interests of broadcasters at home and internationally. Network broadcasters, both public and private, in the United States, Mexico and Canada, work together to provide a common voice for the North American broadcast community. As a member of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU), NABA creates the opportunity for North American broadcasters to share information, identify common interests and reach consensus on issues of an international nature. NABA provides representation for North American broadcasters in global forums on topics including journalism issues, protection of content, spectrum related concerns, the territorial integrity of broadcasters’ signals, and digital transmission issues. For further information about NABA, please visit www.nabanet.com
About WBU-ISOG:
Founded in 1985, the International Satellite Operations Group is a committee of the World Broadcasting Unions. ISOG provides a global forum for members of the WBU to exchange information, outline requirements and resolve common operational problems. WBU-ISOG’s mission is to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions for all operational matters associated with transmission (by satellite or any other means) of video, audio, and broadcast-related data material from sites of news, sports, special events and entertainment, and to work with all international groups, institutions, organizations, and appropriate bodies to achieve these solutions. For further information about WBU-ISOG, please visit http://isog.worldbroadcastingunions.org.