This was the key message delivered at the opening of the M20 Summit, which began this morning in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). The two-day international gathering is being held on the sidelines of the G20 programme hosted by SA, with a strong focus on the role of media and journalism in strengthening information integrity.

The Summit examines how a free, sustainable and independent media sector underpins human rights, good governance, global cooperation and the public trust needed for social and economic development.

Katharina Zuegel, Policy Director at the Forum on Information and Democracy, told delegates that the conference aims to place media integrity firmly on the G20 agenda.

“Only if we tackle the crisis of information integrity, sustainability, media financing and media freedom, at a time when media are under attack financially, through harassment, and even violent assaults, can we meet the G20 Presidency’s goals,” she said. “The objective of today’s conference is to bring attention to these issues and ensure they become a key element of G20 negotiations.”

The M20 Summit brings together media leaders, policymakers, civil society actors and international organisations to chart practical measures for protecting and strengthening journalism in an era of growing threats and disinformation.

–ChannelAfrica–