D. Galamatis: National news agencies can ensure access to reliable information
"The national news agencies can ensure that the citizens have access to reliable information," the General Secretary for Communication and Media Dimitris Galamatis said on Monday, addressing the Association of Balkan News Agencies - Southeastern Europe (ABNA-SE) Conference organised by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency in Thessaloniki, on the topic "The role of news information in the new Balkan reality".
Galamatis referred to geopolitical developments in Europe, noting that they have serious consequences for both Europe and the entire world, and added: "From the continuing clashes to the changing economic conditions, a series of factors can affect the stability and security of Europe. One of the most important geopolitical developments in Europe in recent years was the rise of nationalist and populist movements. These movements have questioned the traditional political order and contributed to the election of new leaders in countries such as Italy, Hungary and Poland. This has led to tensions within the European Union and has raised questions regarding the bloc's future. Apart from the political changes, though, there have also been significant economic developments in Europe in recent years. The ongoing repercussions of the financial crisis of 2008 and the repercussions of Brexit have created uncertainty for businesses and investors throughout the continent."
He noted that technological progress and the changes it brings have disrupted traditional economic sectors while also creating new opportunities.
"Given the complexity and importance of these developments, it is vitally important that policy-making agencies, businesses and citizens have access to accurate and timely information," Galamatis commented. This did not only concern news and analysis by the traditional mass media, he pointed out, but also expert knowledge in areas such as the economy, science and technology. Furthermore, as the social media and other digital platforms become ever more important sources of information, it was important for individuals to be able to navigate and assess information from multiple sources, he added. In the context of the ongoing geopolitical developments in Europe, information was not only important in order to understand current events but also in order to shape the future, Galamatis pointed out. With accurate and promptly delivered information, policy makers can take decisions supported by facts, businesses leaders can identify opportunities and citizens can participate in a meaningful discussion on issues that interest them, he said.
Talking about the importance of national news agencies and their regional offices, he said they played a crucial role in providing accurate information, both domestically and worldwide. One of their main benefits, he noted, was that they were often considered objective and unbiased sources of information. Unlike certain news agencies with a specific political or ideological bias, national news agencies usually relay the facts as objectively as possible and this can help ensure that the public have access to the reliable and unbiased information needed for fact-based decision making.
In addition to providing objective reporting, national news agencies also play a crucial role in cross-checking the accuracy of reports, which was especially important at a time when misinformation is more and more prevalent, he said. Galamatis underlined that providing accurate information in a time of doubt was essential and a fundamental element for the protection of democratic institutions, by promoting transparency and the accountability of governments and by enhancing pluralism in the mass media.
"Unbiased news in our times protects the access of citizens to reliable information, a key requirement for making correct decisions but also for their participation in the democratic process. National news agencies can be the custodians of this new, particularly challenging, condition," he said.
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