PAN Madeira expresses its indignation, in solidarity with the statement released by the Union of Journalists of Madeira, which denounces pressures and restrictions in the exercise of its activity in the context of the coverage of the fires that have ravaged the Region.
“It is an attack on freedom of the press and information, in the same way that we have to guarantee the maximum conditions for civil protection agents to develop their work, journalists also need conditions. Covering these situations is essential to keep people properly informed and to be able to monitor the situation, without having to travel to the site and put people at unnecessary risk,” defends Mónica Freitas.
The party considers that all professionals who are on the ground have a fundamental role and that we should also praise the journalists who put themselves at risk covering intense and dangerous situations so that people can stay informed about the events.
“In an increasingly digital age and with so many websites and pages with disinformation, the role of the media is essential so that people can have information from reliable sources, thus avoiding the alarmism and populism that spreads through social networks.”
People-Animals-Nature also regrets that free access is given to MPs to the detriment of journalists who are there carrying out their work.
“At a critical time, we understand that the mobilisation of unnecessary people on the ground should be restricted, but this is not the case with the media. Access must be given to the right people, and this includes journalists, for as already mentioned, their job is to keep the public up to date with what is going on.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
