Information, development and democracy

Proponents of freedom of the press argue that the very nature of democracy suggests that free and open communication, through a variety of channels, is necessary to foster critical practices found in democratic societies. Media undoubtedly contributes to the public sphere by providing citizens with the information they need. Furthermore, it fosters public debate about politics and current affairs as well as encouraging informed decisions to be made. It provides avenues for action.

The exposure of gross human violations by the states against pro democratic movements around the world - such as in China, Iran, North Korea, Burma as well in Indonesia under Suharto - is an example where media can serve as a watchdog to make sure states are accountable for their actions. Though democratic changes in those countries may take place at a snail’s pace, intensive media coverage will eventually lead to changes, as has happened in Indonesia post Suharto.

Free media plays a key role in sustaining and monitoring a healthy democracy, as well as in contributing to greater accountability, good government, and economic development. Telecommunication is thus seen as an important tool to promote democratisation (See Freedom House report).

Therefore, it can be argued that the media is an important element necessary to foster the democratisation process. Without freedom of press democratic principles such as human rights, the right to freedom of assembly, a political freedom and a civil liberty will be undermined.

Independent media’s reporting undoubtedly sways public opinion and prompts people to react and tackle worldwide problems. There is plenty of evidence pointing to the fact that in the last few years media has been playing an important role in raising public awareness and encouraging action to solve global issues.

The bombing campaign carried out by NATO forces in 1999 against Serbian military forces to stop further genocide in Yugoslavia was an example of how media played its role in prompting the international community to take action to resolve the conflict in the Balkan region. The television pictures of refugees being driven out of Kosovo made a vivid and simple case to support NATO's actions.

When the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck causing enormous damage in the Asian region, the international community response to the disaster was swift. It prompted an enormous flow of support from governments around the world, especially from the west. This natural disaster received so much attention from the international community because of the publicity generated by media outlets around the world as the tragedy unfolded.

Similarly, during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation of East Timor, the media played a leading role in exposing human rights abuses committed by the Indonesian military forces.

There are many more examples of the power of modern telecommunications. It suggests that media has played critical role in prompting international action in times of global crises. Without the media it is unlikely there would have been any action taken to address those problems.

Telecommunications have also contributed to the effective dissemination of information to people without their having to travel to seek that information. Another great advantage of improving telecommunications today is that people can easily access it wherever they live.

Telecommunications are also useful to boost and enhance systems for delivering education, healthcare and inclusion in democratic process of a country.

This is all part of bridging the digital divide and begins to overcome the information gap between people in developed and developing countries.

Recognising the importance of information for development, recently the World Bank has set up a worldwide partnership of Distance Learning Centers (DLCs) in partnership with more than 120 recognised global institutions in more than 80 countries. The aim is to offer “the opportunity for on-time and cost-effective information exchange, knowledge sharing, co-ordination, consultation, training, and dialogues to organisations, groups, teams and individuals that work in line to contribute to sustainable development and the reduction of poverty in the developing world”.

All these benefits are part of the belief that telecommunications can support sustainable development based on democratic values in which human rights principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1945 are vigorously upheld and cherished.