THERE IS “a new information nervous system in the world today.” Its name, in a word: the Internet.
The Internet, according to Press Attache Bettina Malone of the United States Embassy in Manila, is a most important platform for free expression, telling stories, encouraging public discourse, and for exchange of ideas and entrepreneurship.
In her remarks at the opening today of the forum “Taking Stock, Taking Control: Freedom of Expression Online,” that PCIJ organized with assistance from the US Embassy Press Office, Malone cited the role of citizen journalists in the May 2013 elections.
“Citizen journalism is about citizens telling stories about their communities… stories that can be brought to the attention of those who make the decision,” she said.
“We have a new nervous system in the world,” she said, but also cited the need to expand Internet access and engagement with greater numbers of the population. “What about the ordinary citizens? are they aware of their freedom of expression?”
Malone said the US Embassy had first thought about supporting a public forum for citizen journalists to mark the observance of World Press Freedom Day last May 3. The Embassy later agreed to support the PCIJ’s pitch for a post-election activity that would tackle the role of social media in the May 2013 elections.
“Freedom of expression and an open exchange of ideas” are the ideas behind the conduct of the forum, she said. Citizen journalists must “help keep the freest press in Asia, free,” Malone said.