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World 'divided' on press freedom World 'divided' on press freedom
(3 days later)
World opinion is divided on the importance of having a free press, according to a poll conducted for the BBC World Service.World opinion is divided on the importance of having a free press, according to a poll conducted for the BBC World Service.
Of those interviewed, 56% thought that freedom of the press was very important to ensure a free society.Of those interviewed, 56% thought that freedom of the press was very important to ensure a free society.
But 40% said it was more important to maintain social harmony and peace, even if it meant curbing the press's freedom to report news truthfully.But 40% said it was more important to maintain social harmony and peace, even if it meant curbing the press's freedom to report news truthfully.
Pollsters interviewed 11,344 people in 14 countries for the survey.Pollsters interviewed 11,344 people in 14 countries for the survey.
In most of the 14 countries surveyed, press freedom (including broadcasting) was considered more important than social stability.In most of the 14 countries surveyed, press freedom (including broadcasting) was considered more important than social stability.
Graph: How different countries rate press freedomGraph: How different countries rate press freedom
The strongest endorsement came from North America and Western Europe, where up to 70% put freedom first, followed by Venezuela, Kenya and South Africa, with over 60%.The strongest endorsement came from North America and Western Europe, where up to 70% put freedom first, followed by Venezuela, Kenya and South Africa, with over 60%.
Although people in Britain value freedom of the press, when we asked about the media's truth and accuracy, respondents were critical Chris Coulter, pollster The fight for press freedomViewpoints: Free speechAlthough people in Britain value freedom of the press, when we asked about the media's truth and accuracy, respondents were critical Chris Coulter, pollster The fight for press freedomViewpoints: Free speech
In India, Singapore and Russia, by contrast, more people favoured stability over press freedom.In India, Singapore and Russia, by contrast, more people favoured stability over press freedom.
In those countries, around 48% of respondents supported controls over the press to ensure peace and stability.In those countries, around 48% of respondents supported controls over the press to ensure peace and stability.
Around 40% expressed the view that press freedom was more important.Around 40% expressed the view that press freedom was more important.
READ THE FINDINGS BBC World Service Poll: World Divided on Press Freedom [1MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereREAD THE FINDINGS BBC World Service Poll: World Divided on Press Freedom [1MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
People were also asked to rate how free the press and broadcasters were in their country to report the news truthfully and without undue bias.People were also asked to rate how free the press and broadcasters were in their country to report the news truthfully and without undue bias.
Perceptions varied widely among developing countries, ranging from 81% giving a high rating in Kenya, to 41% in Mexico.Perceptions varied widely among developing countries, ranging from 81% giving a high rating in Kenya, to 41% in Mexico.
In India, 72% of respondents thought their media were free, compared with just 36% in Singapore.In India, 72% of respondents thought their media were free, compared with just 36% in Singapore.
HonestyHonesty
But some developed countries which strongly believed in press freedom were critical of their own media's honesty and accuracy.But some developed countries which strongly believed in press freedom were critical of their own media's honesty and accuracy.
In the United States, Britain and Germany, only around 29% of those interviewed thought their media did a good job in reporting news accurately.In the United States, Britain and Germany, only around 29% of those interviewed thought their media did a good job in reporting news accurately.
Chris Coulter, vice-president of GlobeScan, the company that led the research, says: "Despite the fact that people in Britain really value freedom of the press, when we asked specifically around news organisations how they're doing in reporting news accurately and truthfully, respondents were quite critical."Chris Coulter, vice-president of GlobeScan, the company that led the research, says: "Despite the fact that people in Britain really value freedom of the press, when we asked specifically around news organisations how they're doing in reporting news accurately and truthfully, respondents were quite critical."
"Only about a third of people in Britain actually gave positive ratings to either publicly-funded news organisations or privately-funded news organisations.""Only about a third of people in Britain actually gave positive ratings to either publicly-funded news organisations or privately-funded news organisations."
He says he was quite surprised by this finding, but points out that the research was conducted during October this year, when trust in the BBC and other public service broadcasters in Britain had been hit by a series of phone-in problems and other editorial lapses.He says he was quite surprised by this finding, but points out that the research was conducted during October this year, when trust in the BBC and other public service broadcasters in Britain had been hit by a series of phone-in problems and other editorial lapses.
Owners' viewsOwners' views
The survey also identified concern in some countries over the concentration of private media ownership in the hands of fewer large companies.The survey also identified concern in some countries over the concentration of private media ownership in the hands of fewer large companies.
In Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Britain, more than 70% of respondents agreed with the suggestion that ownership was an issue because the owners' political views emerged in the news.In Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Britain, more than 70% of respondents agreed with the suggestion that ownership was an issue because the owners' political views emerged in the news.
HAVE YOUR SAY The fight for freedom in all its forms must persist or all is lost Spiro, Greece Send your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY The fight for freedom in all its forms must persist or all is lost Spiro, Greece Send your comments
Germans had a particularly poor view of their private media companies - with just 18% giving them a high rating for accurate news.Germans had a particularly poor view of their private media companies - with just 18% giving them a high rating for accurate news.
But overall, publicly-run news organisations were viewed slightly more negatively than ones run for profit.But overall, publicly-run news organisations were viewed slightly more negatively than ones run for profit.
Only in Egypt, Germany, Russia and Singapore did people rate the public media more than privately-owned media companies.Only in Egypt, Germany, Russia and Singapore did people rate the public media more than privately-owned media companies.
The poll was conducted by the international research firms GlobeScan and Synovate, as part of a season of programmes marking the 75th anniversary of BBC World Service. Polling in six of the countries was in major urban areas only.
The poll was conducted by the international research firms GlobeScan and Synovate, as part of a season of programmes marking the 75th anniversary of BBC World Service.
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