In Iran the whole reform and democracy movement has been based on the emerging free press.
Interpretation
The advancement of reform and democracy in Iran is closely linked to the growth of a free press.
Christiane Amanpour emphasizes the crucial role that a free press plays in fostering reform and democratic movements in Iran. The emergence of independent journalism has empowered citizens, provided a platform for diverse voices, and challenged authoritarianism, illustrating that a vibrant media landscape is fundamental to any democracy.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of media freedom, one could reference this quote to highlight its impact on democracy.
Some people accused me of being pro-Muslim in Bosnia, but I realised that our job is to give all sides an equal hearing, but in cases of genocide you can't just be neutral. You can't just say, 'Well, this little boy was shot in the head and killed in besieged Sarajevo and that guy over there did it, but maybe he was upset because he had an argument with his wife.' No, there is no equality there, and we had to tell the truth.
I leave CNN with the utmost respect, love and admiration for the company and everyone who works here. This has been my family and shared endeavor for the past 27 years, and I am forever grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished.
And one thing that I always believed and that I knew for certain was that I could never have sustained a personal relationship while I worked this hard, or while I was that driven this intensely by the story.
In emerging democracies like Russia, in authoritarian states like Iran or even Yugoslavia, journalists play a vital role in civil society. In fact, they form the very basis of those new democracies and civil societies.
We were thrilled and we were privileged to be part of a revolution, because make no mistake about it, Ted Turner changed the world with CNN.
Because if we the storytellers don't do this, then the bad people will win.
First of all, the world criticizes American foreign policy because Americans criticize American foreign policy. We shouldn't be surprised about that. Criticizing government is a God-given right - at least in democracies.
At the turn of the last century, extremists were forced back to the political fringes while younger politicians resurrected the vitality of the original Republican vision. They recognized that the nation could only develop and grow by protecting equality of opportunity for hardworking Americans at the bottom of the economic ladder.
There cannot be true democracy unless all citizens are able to participate fully in the lives of their country.
If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.
Surely anyone who has ever been elected to public office understands that one commodity above all others, namely the trust and confidence of the people, is fundamental in maintaining a free and open political system.
He told us he was going to take crime out of the streets. He did. He took it into the damn White House.
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