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.
Government is never more dangerous than when our desire to have it help us blinds us to its great power to harm us.
The depositary of power is always unpopular.
Politics determines who has the power, not who has the truth.
If active or concerned citizens forfeit politics, they thereby abandon their society to its most mediocre and venal public servants
So much of the deep lingering sadness over President Kennedy's assassination is about the unfinished promise: unspoken speeches, unfulfilled hopes, the wondering about what might have been.
If government were a product, selling it would be illegal.
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