This panel discussion focused on the state of journalism around the world – especially in authoritarian states and developing countries where there is a push-back on democracy. The panel of high-level journalists discussed how regimes manipulate information and use or control media to consolidate and expand political and economic power.
China, Russia, and the Middle East were of particular interest. This type of media control has an effect not only on political discourse but also on the information provided to citizens on economic and business conditions in a country. In places like China and Russia, and Latin America, can investors trust data and information from the media or the government?
Panelists also discussed how the environment for journalists in many countries limits the ability of the media to play its role of providing information that helps citizens hold governments accountable, and the challenges this poses for democratic development.
Opening Remarks were given by Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Managing Director.
Panelists:
- Deborah Amos covers the Middle East for NPR News. Her reports can be heard on NPR’s award-winning Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. Follow Amos on Twitter @deborahamos.
- Gina Chon is a Washington Columnist on ReutersBreakingviews. Chon joined Reuters earlier this year from the Financial Times, where she was the enforcement and regulatory correspondent in Washington, most recently focused on white-collar crime and cybersecurity. Follow Chon on Twitter @GinaChon.
- Jim Sciutto is the Chief National Security Correspondent for CNN. He served previously as Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke. Follow Sciutto on Twitter @jimsciutto.
- Ken Jaques is the Director of Communications for the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the discussion moderator. Follow Jaques on twitter @KenJCIPE.
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