A joint statement by public service media companies around the world says they have reported “strong audience increases” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement said this was a show of confidence for the reliable and independent information public service media delivered on multiple communication platforms, in a variety of languages, on all continents.
“The global health crisis has illustrated that public service media are at the service of the general interest, democratic values and freedom of expression, which brings us together,” the statement said.
The statement from the organisations, broadcasting in countries ranging from Germany to Australia and reaching a global audience of one billion, said that its executives would “build on this public confidence in our media, which is more precious and greater than ever”.
The statement said journalists, technicians, correspondents, and other employees “have mobilised to pursue their mission tirelessly, informing people about the new Coronavirus and helping to combat its spread by delivering prevention messages, in conjunction with the health authorities”.
It said the fact that the media organisations’ content was reported in many international languages by local correspondents “makes it possible to reach the citizens of the world in their mother tongues”.
“International public service media have also been on the frontlines of the fight against the spread of fake news about the Novel Coronavirus and treatments,” the statement said.
“The international public service media in our countries have opened their platforms to the best scientific experts and specialists, to major political and economic leaders, on all aspects of the worst pandemic the world has seen in decades,” it said.
It said their stories had helped raise awareness of increases in gender-based violence and domestic violence during lockdown and ways to address them.
“This period should encourage us to draw lessons about the way the world works and changes, about social relations, about the importance of public services and access to information.”
“Our media contribute to the international reflection and debate needed to build the post-pandemic future and make the most of it,” the statement said.
Berlin, 31 May 2020
