"Freedom of expression --in particular, freedom of the press --guarantees popular participation in the dcisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy."

-- Corazon Aquino


  


The Role of Parliaments in Promoting an Information Rich Society: Introduction

 

Expected Outcomes

It is expected that on completion of the six units participants will:

1.     Understand the concept of the community’s ‘right to know’ and the importance of the free flow of information and an informed society for development and poverty alleviation;

2.     Appreciate that it is in the interest of parliament to build an informed society so that parliament’s decisions are more responsive, better informed and have broader community support;

3.     Acknowledge that despite the often rocky relationship, it is vital for parliament to work towards building a strong professional relationship with the parliamentary press gallery as the media is a vital ally in ensuring the free flow of information between parliament and the community and, thus, building an informed society; and

4.     Recognize that parliament should work to overcome constraints to its relationship with the media, whilst providing an environment conducive to the creation of a fair, accurate and independent media.


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