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.
Interpretation
Journalists are essential for the development of democracy and civil society in emerging and authoritarian states.
In her quote, Christiane Amanpour emphasizes the crucial role that journalists play in shaping and supporting civil society within emerging democracies and authoritarian regimes. They not only provide essential information to the public but also help hold power accountable, thus forming the foundation of democratic ideals and civic engagement in societies striving for freedom and democratic governance.
In practice
During a panel discussion on media freedom, this quote could highlight the importance of journalism.
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 Iran the whole reform and democracy movement has been based on the emerging free press.
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.
I am busily engaged in the study of the Bible. I believe it is God's word because it finds me where I am.
They had both noticed that a life of dissipation sometimes gave to a face the look of gaunt suffering spirituality that a life of asceticism was supposed to give and quite often did not.
Be a good man to Allah and a bad man to yourself (desires); and be one of the commoners among the people
Evey Hammond: Who are you? V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what and what I am is a man in a mask. Evey Hammond: Well I can see that. V: Of course you can. I'm not questioning your powers of observation I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is
No birth is an accident, No experience is without meaning, and no life is without value.
When we look into the human heart we see the lust, the greed, the hate, the pride, the anger, and the jealousies that are so destructive. This is at the heart of the human predicament, and the Scriptures call this condition sin.
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