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.
China is a vast, disparate country; there is no alternative to strong central power.
Despotism can only exist in darkness, and there are too many lights now in the political firmament to permit it to remain anywhere, as it has heretofore done, almost everywhere.
Each party steals so many articles of faith from the other, and the candidates spend so much time making each other's speeches, that by the time election day is past there is nothing much to do save turn the sitting rascals out and let a new gang in.
A politician should have three hats. One for throwing into the ring, one for talking through, and one for pulling rabbits out of if elected.
The political lives of tyrants play out human affairs with a special intensity: the death of a democratic leader long after his retirement is a private matter, but the death of a tyrant is always a political act that reflects the character of his power.
Representative democracy is a remarkably blunt instrument. Hundreds of issues are bundled together at every election, yet the vote tends to swing on just one or two of them.
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