Press ReleasesInternews' Chief Operating Officer Testifies in Congress on Independent Media
(March 29, 2007) Internews Network's Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Programs, Jeanne Bourgault, testified before the US Congress today on the key role that independent media and access to news and information play in promoting democracy and economic development in the developing world. "Around the world, radio and TV stations, newspapers, magazines and web sites provide local populations with otherwise unattainable news and information, ranging from crop prices to local elections coverage to health information," Bourgault said in testimony Internews was invited to give to the House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. "Conversely, lack of information – what we call information poverty – severely hinders all aspects of development.” In response to a comment by Congressman Frank Wolfe, Ranking Member of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, questioning the adequacy of US efforts at public diplomacy, Bourgault stressed the value of supporting indigenous independent media that give voice to local populations as a key component of building democracy and civil society. Bourgault's testimony also outlined the importance of harnessing the media to respond to HIV/AIDS in Africa and Asia, and supporting balanced, professional media in the Middle East. In her written testimony on HIV/AIDS, Bourgault emphasized that accurate, responsible, and effective local media coverage is essential in the struggle against the disease, noting that, “In many parts of the world, sensationalist reporting – or no reporting at all – of AIDS-related issues continues to fuel fear and misconceptions.” Bourgault also emphasized that independent and professional media are particularly important in the Middle East and North Africa to help citizens sort fact from fiction. Accurate, balanced, in-depth local news also helps them participate in their communities and to hold their elected officials accountable. Internews gave its oral and written testimony to the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs, part of the Committee on Appropriations for the US House of Representatives. Internews is a non-profit organization that works to improve access to information for people around the world by fostering independent media and promoting open communications policies in the public interest. Read the testimony. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Annette Makino, Senior Vice-President for Communications and Corporate Affairs |
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