Information as a Public Good
Ann Dettori
Self-Publishing Expert ?? Professional Book Publishing Services ??? Non-Fiction Book Specialist ?? Publishing Strategy & Management ?? Business Book Publishing Partner ??
May 3 is World Press Freedom Day, and this year the theme is ‘Information as a Public Good’. For 30 years, World Press Freedom Day has served as a day for media professionals to reflect on issues of freedom and ethics, and explore the connections between the freedom to seek, impart, and receive information.
When we think of the press, we generally think of traditional news outlets and journalists, but the landscape has radically changed and will continue to do so. Journalists’ roles have changed, and so has the way the public sources its news content. With so much news content being sourced online and from a much wider pool of creators, it has become much harder to tell legitimate sources from false, biased sources from impartial. This is why it is important for everyone, not just members of traditional media to reflect on the meaning of World Press Freedom Day.
Freedom of speech is one of the freedoms people most value, and one of the most fiercely fought for – but does this freedom give us the right to speak falsehoods?
When working with independent and emerging authors, Indie Experts promotes truth-telling and the telling of stories based on fact not fiction. Writing a non-fiction business book is a wonderful way to share your experience and knowledge, and to garner exposure in the press for your business, but it is easy to lose credibility if the work doesn’t have a commitment to truth at its centre. While the short-term gain from writing or publishing false information may seem worth it in some cases, the damage to reputation once that falsehood is discovered can be irreparable – and not worth the short-term gain.
For an author to stand out in a world overloaded with news, it is crucial that they are engaging and professional, but above all truthful.
Curating and publishing wisdom worth sharing, from pages to stages. Content Collaboration Specialist @ Indie Experts | Publishing Coach
3 年100% right Ann. Any fake news for any reason totally undermines everything that freedom of speech stands for.
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3 年This is important to keep in mind, Ann Wilson. Our freedom of speech should always be about spreading truthful and factual information.
AI and Automation Consulting and Implementation ??Technology and Cybersecurity partner ??Increase your profits by optimising and securing your Time, Team and Technology by leveraging AI and Automation
3 年Great topic! The media, particularly the Murdoch publications, have come under fire for spreading mistruths. With great power and influence comes great responsibility.
Codifying Your Unique Genius Into Powerful Visual Models | Founder of The Models Method | Speaker, Advisor & Author | Host of "The Wisdom Of..." Podcast
3 年Such an interesting question Ann, and one that has caused much debate. Thanks for drawing attention to this important day and for causing us to think a little deeper.
Leadership Development |Trainer | Executive Coach| Keynote Speaker|Author - Shaping resilient, high-performing leaders to lead with impact—without losing themselves along the way.
3 年Such an interesting read, Ann ?? Great article - thank you!