press freedom — press freedom — Commitment to freedom of the press and freedom of expression is not just a priority for a single administration; it is an obligation of every government, emphasised Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the government spokesman, during a recent event in Cyprus.
Press freedom: Symbolic Start to the New Year
Letymbiotis made these remarks while attending the traditional Vasilopita cutting ceremony hosted by the Union of Cyprus Journalists (Esk). With a hopeful spirit for the year ahead, he expressed his desire for 2024 to be a time of progress and liberation for the nation.
The Role of Journalism
In his address, Letymbiotis highlighted the significance of maintaining open dialogue between government institutions and the journalists’ union, acknowledging that differing perspectives are not only legitimate but essential for a healthy democracy. He remarked, “Different views will always exist,” stressing that these must align with shared goals and common aspirations.
Challenges and Support for the Media
As Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Letymbiotis noted the media sector’s recent struggles and the state’s commitment to providing support. He reiterated, “Commitment to freedom of the press and freedom of expression is not a priority for one government; it is an obligation for every government.”
Constructive Engagement with Media
Speaking on behalf of the president, Letymbiotis assured that the government would continue to support the media, welcoming constructive criticism and proposals. He acknowledged that modern challenges, particularly those posed by rapid technological advancements and artificial intelligence, require thoughtful engagement with the media sector.
Voices from the Journalists’ Union
George Frangos, president of Esk, echoed the sentiment for a productive year, asserting that improvements in journalists’ working conditions, freedom, and compensation are vital. He expressed, “The year will be good if journalists’ working conditions improve, if their freedom expands and if their salaries increase.”
Calls for Legislative Action
Frangos urged lawmakers to expedite the liberalisation of pending bills that affect journalistic content, arguing that “journalistic content is not regulated by law. It is self-regulated.” He emphasised the need for the journalists’ union to receive the institutional recognition it deserves, highlighting a disparity where union members often face access issues at events, unlike their counterparts in other European countries.
Union Rights and Collective Efforts
On the topic of union rights, Frangos stressed the importance of ensuring that the constitutionally protected right to unionise is genuinely realised. He pointed out that unionisation is struggling not just in journalism but across various sectors globally, calling for broader institutional support for collective efforts. “There is no other weapon, no other form of struggle, beyond collective struggles to claim benefits for the working world,” he stated.
A Hopeful Vision for the Future
Frangos concluded his remarks by characterising 2026 as “a new beginning,” emphasising that every fresh start requires renewed efforts and aspirations. His wish for the year was simple yet profound: “good struggles” for the betterment of the journalism sector and society as a whole.
