Speech delivered by Head of the National Dialogue Party

Tuesday, Jun 9 2009

One of the most power tools used in the world of today is the media. In a globalized world, the force of the media in communicating or, in fact making or breaking the truth, cannot be underestimated in democratic and open societies. By describing facts and providing analytical insights, journalists of all types become opinion makers. At large, the public becomes aware of social, economic and political issues and forms opinions based on the knowledge made available to them by the media, and in particular the press.

This is why the Makhzoumi Foundation, and I personally, have viewed out support for the media in Lebanon and here as in line with our quest for freedom, knowledge and democracy. We believe that an uninformed public cannot penetrate the walls of fear and ignorance, discover the limits of human understanding, and live within the parameters of a true and informed democratic life.

The Makhzoumi Foundation does not oppose governments per se but believes in the right of the people to be informed of the truth regardless of whether it is pleasing to this party or that. While we believe that the truth is one of the highest values of human existence, the strength of the press can be demonstrated in carrying the torch of justice and fairness through unbiased knowledge and leading to aid in social and political transformation for the good prospects of humankind and defining a better future for our children and grand children.

As an instance of this, journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who broke the story of Watergate, initiated a dynamic process of truth finding that lead to the resignation of President Nixon in August 1974. Since then, American politics has taken a different path over the manipulation of power in the American context.

Here in Canada, the press also has been the "invisible arm" of people watch over government’s activities for years. Many Cabinet ministers resigned following stories published by journalists.

We believe however that the media cannot do that without its independence. We in the foundation are empowering people to have the instruments that allow them to earn their livelihood, and this act makes them less yielding to political power that could manipulate them. The same applies to the media. It should always remain independent and free of any political influence. Such freedom guarantees its neutrality and its ability and power to bring about socio-economic and political developments within our societies.

However, compromise over the truth does not only come in the form of biased media but also by “media monopolies”. We also warn against herd mentality, ideological bents, material interest, favoritism, nepotism and other ills that do not only remove the usefulness of the media and the truth but turns them upside down. Consequently, we, in the foundation and other bodies that we belong to, give without strings attached, and always seek what is true, just, and beneficial to the public at large.

The Canadian Press club carries therefore huge responsibilities to ensure the flow of free press that provides true information without being hindered by political or regional affiliations. The conscious quest for truth through free choice is the highest function that a human can undertake consciously. For it is very easy to succumb to power and wealth and to lose the principles of fairness, equality and integrity.

Your Club must connect with similar organizations on a global level to exchange views and seek the truth from local sources… Canadians deserve to get the facts straight in return for their trust… Global issues are varied and complex. They must be portrayed factually and explained in a manner that ordinary people can make sense of, including economic, social, political and human rights matters. Today, what happens in one country, when it is of global significance and concern, can send tremors to other countries of the world. Events, which occur in India, China, Europe and specifically the Middle East, create ripple effects, which travel very fast only to land in the family rooms of all Canadians.

Hence, it your job as journalists, and your moral responsibility as human beings, to bring forth unbiased, untwisted, and true facts before the eyes to your readers. I therefore urge all Canadian media, the press in particular, to maintain its independence and uphold the principles of free press in order to discovery of the truth and enlighten your society.

From this angle, the Makhzoumi Foundation is a strong defender of those principles. We support those who adhere to these ethical foundations and encourage them to help their colleagues to become “conscientious” reporters of facts and realities.

We certainly hope that our scholarship will contribute to helping aspiring Canadian journalists reach not only their professional goals but also deepest humanity. We equally hope that new journalists earn the honor of upholding the core values of free press and unbiased truth.

In this complex world of overwhelming information, your Foundation plays an essential role to ensure the ethics of journalists in balancing the desire for “urgency” to win the media competition with the responsibility to report the truth. This is no easy task since humans have the instinctive will to win but also has the divine attribute to know.

The Makhzoumi Foundation and myself thank you for this opportunity to address such an esteemed group. I wish the prestigious Canadian Press Club Foundation continued success and upholding of truth and freedom. I really look forward to establishing a deep and cooperative relationship between the Makhzoumi Foundation and your esteemed Foundation.