Washington D.C. – Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius on the state of press freedom worldwide, in a virtual conversation held on Monday. In his remarks, Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting press freedom, as well as the need to hold accountable those who seek to undermine it.
Blinken noted that press freedom is under threat in many parts of the world, citing examples of countries where journalists are targeted for their reporting and where governments are cracking down on independent media. He also highlighted the importance of a free press in promoting democracy and holding governments accountable, and he urged governments around the world to do more to protect the rights of journalists.
“We have to stand up for the truth and for the rights of journalists to report that truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for those in power,” Blinken said.
The Secretary of State also addressed the issue of disinformation and misinformation, which he said is a growing threat to democracy and to the free press. He emphasized the need for journalists to be vigilant and to seek out reliable sources of information in order to counter the spread of false narratives.
During the conversation, Blinken also discussed the importance of U.S. leadership on the global stage, particularly in promoting democratic values and institutions. He called on other countries to join the U.S. in defending press freedom and human rights, and to work together to address the challenges facing journalists and independent media.
The virtual conversation was part of the State Department’s ongoing efforts to promote press freedom and to highlight the importance of a free press in promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
Secretary Blinken’s conversation with David Ignatius underscored the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and the need for governments to protect and promote the rights of journalists. It also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the free press, including disinformation and censorship, and the need for continued efforts to defend and strengthen press freedom worldwide.
News Credit: US department of state