Democracy and the free exercise of the press are two sides of the same coin

During its sixty-first annual meeting, held in the city of San Juan, the Argentine Press Association (ADIPA) issued its semi-annual report on freedom of the press, entitled “Without Freedom of Expression There is No Democracy”, in which it uninterruptedly celebrated the democratic continuity of four decades, which He highlighted in it that “defending freedom of expression and the authority of the independent press is defending the foundation of the democratic and republican system.”

“Next December, Argentina will celebrate 40 years of uninterrupted democracy, and the values ​​that our founders gave to Adiba will be truer than ever. Democracy and the free exercise of the press are two sides of the same coin. You cannot Thinking about one and not the other.

The report was unanimously approved by media representatives across the country.

Adiba highlighted in her report – which includes an appendix of the most serious classroom cases in terms of organizational risks, attacks and threats – that in recent years, the role of the press has been very important in strongly distinguishing between what is true and what is false. The digital ecosystem, mediated by algorithms and social networks, is also polluted by waves of disinformation launched or promoted during the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine or the electoral processes conducted in many countries around the world.

Adiba warned that “the so-called bubbles of meaning and extreme polarization were a by-product of these phenomena, for which platforms and networks were a necessary means.”

40 years of democracy

In the year of the fortieth anniversary of the return of democracy in Argentina, the entity reflected on the role played by the press in that period.

“Journalism is embodied in specific organizations and individuals who dare to challenge tyranny, highlighting what they want to hide, questioning what some propagate as dogma and seeking to explain what seems incomprehensible,” Adeba summarized, then highlighting a series of milestones linked to democracy and journalism.

There he reviewed the character of Magdalena Ruiz Geniazo, a member of the Conadep created by the government of President Raúl Alfonsín, the work of the photographer José Luis Cabezas, which cost him his life; the endless press vigilantes in Catamarca that turned the case of María Soledad Morales into a pivot against impunity; Even the recent coverage in Chaco made Cecilia Strzyzowski’s crime visible.

Adiba also pointed to a series of records that showed the public how the Argentine government illegally sold weapons to Ecuador and Croatia; Or how bribes were paid to approve a law in the nation’s Senate. And to other milestones, such as the work of a photojournalist, who was key to proving the killing of Kostecki and Santillan at the hands of the police; journalistic exposure of the systematic scheme of bribes paid by businessmen to officials to obtain benefits in public works grants; Or denouncing the existence of a VIP vaccination center in light of the pandemic.

“The anniversary of our democracy coincides with a new electoral process, in which, unfortunately, disqualifications and insults to the press by some candidates have unfortunately resurfaced. However, once again, journalistic work is more important than ever so that citizens can exercise their right to choose.” Freely and in light of the availability of information.

An appeal to candidates added: “Those who decide to run for elective office know that when they aspire to exercise a public function, they must be subject to a higher level of scrutiny, and that no actor in civil life is exempt from criticism, although – as Adiba said – they may It seems cruel and even unfair.

For all these reasons, Adiba emphasized that the role of the press is closely linked to democracy, given its function as an instrument of social scrutiny, as a tool for contradictory public discourse and as a forum for expressing the different opinions of citizens.

“The press is the cornerstone of the republican system of checks and balances. It is therefore healthy, both for democratic practice and for citizen debate, that representatives of the various political forces deeply understand the function of the press.

He concluded: “It is not about them demanding complacent speeches or demagogic attitudes towards the media. Nor to escape the rigorous and intense intersection of ideas and opinions. Not to mention pretending that what is expressed in the media cannot be confronted by opposing facts and exercising reason. But it is a matter of sincere belief in the function of journalism within the constitutional order, and therefore strict respect for it. “Realizing that what is needed and welcomed when one is in an ordinary place, or when one wants to reach out to society with a message, must also be accepted when the press challenges, questions or does not satisfy them,” Adiba said.

Cheers to Sarmiento

This year’s Adepa Assembly is being held in San Juan. The opening took place on Wednesday evening, with an event in Domingo Faustino Sarmiento’s hometown. There, Adiba’s president, Daniel Desin, together with the director of the Huarpe newspaper, Diego Fuentes, discovered a plaque commemorating the San Juan-born Argentine hero.

New powers

At the conclusion of the semi-annual meeting, new authorities were elected.

Martin Etchevers, from Claren, remains at the helm of the Executive Board. Meanwhile, Daniel Desin, from La Gaceta de Tucuman, will chair the Freedom of the Press and Information Committee.

For his part, Carlos Jornet, press director of: the soundHe continues as Chairman of the Multi-Platform Training Committee. Among other positions, Guillermo Ignacio (TSN Necochea) chairs the Executive Committee.