Paris (AFP)
The teaching of journalism must be "independent" for the media to play their role in an "era of misinformation," said participants at the World Congress of Schools of Journalism in an appeal signed Wednesday at the City Hall of Paris.
"At a time of misinformation, misinformation and threats to press freedom, the role of independent journalism is more important than ever," said the signatories of the declaration adopted by the World Council of Schools of Journalism.
The organization, which brings together hundreds of journalism schools from around the world, holds its 5th congress this week at Paris-Dauphine University, on the theme of "disruption".
"We are convinced that there is a strong link between the quality of journalism education and the quality of the information to which people are entitled," the signatories emphasize.
In particular, they call on journalism teachers to "maintain strong and independent governance of journalism schools and journalism departments" and to "preserve the teaching of journalism as a separate field from other areas of communication".
They also stress the importance of "promoting diversity as a key factor in journalism training" and "encouraging critical thinking in journalism education research".
The signatories finally call on states, media industries, private companies and donors "to ensure sufficient funding for journalism education while respecting its independence".
? 2019 AFP