World Press Freedom Day 2010 Essays

World Press Freedom Day 2010 Essays World Press Freedom Day 2010 Essay World Press Freedom Day 2010 Essay â€Å"The right to know is central for upholding other basic rights, for furthering transparency, justice and development. Hand-in-hand with the complementary notion of freedom of expression, it underpins democracy. We may not consciously exercise our right to know. But each time we pick up a newspaper, turn on the TV or radio news, or go on the Internet, the quality of what we see or hear depends on these media having access to accurate and up to date information†- Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCOThese are exactly the words that came to the UNESCO’s Director-General’s mouth upon giving her message to the world with regards to the celebration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3 of this year, 2010. As this celebration takes place, the emphasis on freedom of information as a fundamental part of the human rights of freedom of expression has been depicted clearly. With the global crisis about the freedom of self expression happening today, this celebration is p erfect for every country to contribute their own distinct conceptualizations as such. This paper will examine the ways on how the said celebration was celebrated by using the layer model. Depiction of an action made by a particular nation – Brazil, technological aftermath, and non-government organizations’ contribution in this issue will take place.Every nation bestowed their specific alertness with regards to this topic. But in Brazil’s case, this event is very significant as they go through a new phase of living. Just recently, their House of Representatives gave their approval to the General Law of Access Information (2009) which permits the public to have an access to all information concerning their nation. Apparently, this is fair enough as to give justice to Human Rights whereas each and every person is entitled to practice.Basically, this celebration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as early as the year 1993 as a result of the 26th G eneral Conference of UNESCO in 1991. It was intended to celebrate the rights of every citizen to be completely and truthfully informed about everything about their country through press freedom. In this way, not only the press freedom is practiced, but also democracy across the country. Given all the crisis and circumstances around the globe today, it is very essential to be granted such right to know what is happening being a citizen of your own country.Furthermore, news doesn’t only come from televisions, radios or newspapers today. Due to the continuous development of the world, the newly developed technologies also became sources of important information. These gadgets are as useful and helpful as the other means of communication; it actually provided the easier way. In fact, networks have set numerous subscription programs through mobile phones and internet to access news the most convenient possible way. This development is one of the most beneficial developments made f or the world industrialization.In this light, technological trends are examined in the research conducted by Graziano and Vink (2006); this study discusses the telecommunications policy as it has been used in political science during the present time. For instance, modernization is constantly affecting the subject. During early times, these issues are discussed only during private conference, shown in televisions, heard in radio stations, or read from newspapers. But because technology continuously conquers modern life, people tend to prefer it instead of the old type of getting news, but there are still few who use the old one though. Another study related to the aforementioned is Fransman (2002); its aim was to show both the uses and shortcomings of changes in Telecommunications Industry. The use of this industry for press or human rights purposes in political context is included in the scope of the research. Given all the beneficial result of its use, there are also existing dile mmas emerging while enjoying it. A tendency would be not everything that is relayed through the telecommunications industry is true. In that case, confusion can be developed on the minds of people which will worsen the status of the press freedom. Most probably, citizens will need to observe and study first which sources will most likely be reliable in this issue. Further explanations are provided in the given researches as they use the layer principle that contributes to the betterment of the research.Moreover, not only telecommunications industry is being used for freedom purposes. One technological trend today that can be considered the widely used one is the internet. According to Solum and Chung (2003), the effect on the shape and content of legal regulation of global network of networks by the internet is widely seen ever since it was established. Consequently, internet uses among citizens who seek for information have been rapidly increasing. Not to mention that journalists a nd other legal topic writers consider posting of their informative articles on the web so that people will easily access it without certain restrictions. However, this research seeks to provide safety protocols on the use of the world-wide-web most especially for political science purposes.As a contribution for this celebration, ARTICLE 19 offices are acknowledging World Press Freedom Day and the Right to Information with numerous events around the world. It supports activities done by every country in celebration of the day because the organization believes that ‘The phrase â€Å"information is power† is just part of the story. The Right to information is an enabling and empowering right which has taken the world by storm over the past two decades, but it cannot be fully realized without the forth pillar of democracy: a free media.’ (ARTICLE 19, 2010, p. 1). With all these several actions made by different industries, organizations and citizens, the world will d efinitely attain press freedom. Despite all the crisis and trials that every nation is facing, this celebration clearly depicted that the world is up for the challenge.Reference listARTICLE 19. (2010). World Press Freedom Day: Free Media and Freedom of Information. London, United Kingdom: Free Word Centre.Forthcoming in Graziano, P. Vink, M. eds. (2006). Europeanization: New Research Agendas. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.Fransman, M. (2002). Mapping the Evolving Telecoms Industry: The Uses and Shortcomings of the Layer Model. Published Dissertation, Institute for Japanese-European Technology Studies, University of Edinburgh, Old College South Bridge, EH8 9 YL Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Elsevier Science Reproduction Service no. PII:S 0 3 0 8 5 9 6 1 ( 0 2 ) 0 0 0 2 7 – 7) Retrieved 9 May 2010, from Elsevier Science Ltd.General Law of Access to Information, PL. 5228, N/A., N/A. (2009)Solum, L. B. Chung, M. (2003). The Layers Principle: Internet Architecture and the Law. Published research, Public Law and Legal Theory Research, School of Law, University of San Diego, California. Retrieved 9 May 2010, Social Science Research Network Electronic Paper Collection.