[PIO] Intervention of MP George Loukaidis in a debate at the CSE on the role of the media in times of crisis

During yesterday's proceedings of the Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the member of the Cypriot delegation to the Assembly, MP George Loukaides participated in a discussion on the importance of the role of the mass media in times of crisis.

Noting the important role that the media should play in providing timely and reliable information, especially in times of crisis, Mr Loucaides referred in particular to social media as an important tool for the public debate on the Covid-19 pandemic and the management of the health crisis by governments. At the same time, Mr. Loukaidis pointed out, as a consequence of the pandemic crisis, there has been an upsurge in false and misleading news, which is causing confusion and undermining citizens' trust in scientific institutions and the medical community.

Mr. Loucaides noted the need for a substantial contribution of conventional and online media to the democratization of knowledge, but also the obligation to effectively address the rise of misinformation and the spread of false news and conspiracy theories.

In times of crisis, we need more and not less democracy, the Cypriot MP stressed. Freedom of expression, therefore, needs to be protected, especially in times of crisis, he said. At the same time, it becomes imperative to practice responsible journalism and reproduce reliable information so that the public is able to make the right decisions. Loucaides also pointed out that the intense social polarization on the issue of mass vaccination arose due to the lack of trust of citizens in the handling of governments and the questioning of the findings of the scientific community, while there was a significant increase in hate speech, targeting and stigmatization of specific and marginalized social groups, which, he said, poses serious risks for democratic societies.

Loukaidis stressed the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities, the media and academia in order to foster a climate of trust in the institutions and an environment of healthy dialogue, inclusion, mutual respect and tolerance of different views, transparency and informed decisions.

(MB/SX)
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