A new notion of media?

Democracy does not exist without free, independent and diverse media. Recent social, cultural and technological changes have a dramatic impact on the media. New communication services and media are appearing, whereas the more traditional types of media are exposed to enormous challenges. The new media represent huge opportunities but also potential risks that still need to be explored.

In light of these continuous innovations, one has to ask:

What can be called media today?
How can we approach digital, convergent media, but also media created by new actors or media-like activities performed by non-traditional media actors?
How do media integrate and apply democratic values and principles related to the individuals and communities?
Is there a need for new specific standards?

Studying how these new media are creating new risks and opportunities for the protection of human rights is indispensable. The Reykjavik conference will set the working direction for the Council of Europe for the coming years to meet these new challenges.

WHAT’S NEW

Speeches:

Address by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Icelandic Minister of Culture, Education and Science (PDF)
Allocution de clôture par Philippe Boillat, Directeur général des droits de l'Homme et des affaires juridiques (PDF)
Discours d'ouverture de M. Philippe BOILLAT, Directeur Général des droits de l'Homme et des Affaires juridiques (PDF)
Opening Speech by the Rt.Hon. Andrew McIntosh, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on the Media of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PDF)
Intervention of H.E. the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Neoclis Sylikiotis (PDF)
Address by Mrs Laine Jänes, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Estonia (PDF)
Address by Germany (PDF)
Address by Majda Širca, Minister of Culture, Republic of Slovenia (PDF)
Response by civil society: Preben Sørensen. President, European Alliance of Listeners´and Viewers´Associations (EURALVA) (PDF)

June 12th:

Recordings from the conference

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From the minister:

Welcome to the website of the 1st Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Media and New Communication Services, Reykjavik 2009.

This conference will decide upon the course of work for the Council of Europe in the coming years, in order to meet new challenges in Media and New Communication Services.

I, for my part, am greatly looking forward to this event and I warmly invite you to attend this interesting Ministerial Conference in Reykjavík, Iceland!
Read more>>

Ms. Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Minister of Education, Science and Culture

WHAT THEY SAY