Moscow is hosting the World Media Summit organized by ITAR-TASS. 213 media organizations from 103 states gathered at the Moscow International Trade Center.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that solidarity of the world information community would help resolve some of the most complicated problems. Media determine world policy and economy, this requires high professional, civil and moral responsibility, the president says.
Putin believes that ethic norms should be developed for the media community with account of freedom of speech, constructive dialogue of the government, business and public organizations.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spoke for independence of media for the sake of society to give an impartial image and reflect all positions and views. Security and protection of the rights of journalists is essential for the government.
Russian Speaker of Parliament Sergey Naryshkin stressed on ethics of media materials and noted that mixing traditional media and blogs provokes more need for professional ethics and responsibility of journalists.
Naryshkin believes that mixing the genres is a challenge for the industry of mass media. Bloggers start to feel like professional journalists. The official reminded about the classical principles of media work. News need to be confirmed by at least two sources.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reminded that over 500 journalists were killed in the last 10 years. Freedom of speech is one of the basic UN obligations. Free mass media are essential for real democracy and sustainable development, the secretary general emphasizes.
