THE DG7, AN international group of public service media organizations including CBC/Radio-Canada, issued a joint statement Tuesday saying they have seen strong audience increases since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that this reflects the confidence global audiences have in the reliable and independent information the DG7 organizations deliver on television, radio and digital media, says the statement.
In addition to CBC/Radio-Canada, the publicly funded media organizations from seven democratic nations include France Médias Monde, Deutsche Welle, BBC World Service, U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), NHK World Japan and ABC Australia.
“Our organizations have adapted to the consequences of the crisis and our teams — journalists, technicians, correspondents, part time workers and employees — have mobilized to pursue their mission tirelessly, informing people about the new coronavirus and helping to combat its spread by delivering prevention messages, in conjunction with the health authorities,” reads the statement.
“The fight against the proliferation, particularly on social networks, of fake news about the disease and its treatments has mobilized all our editorial offices, which are used to cooperating in this field at a time when, more than ever, reliable information is protecting lives.”
The seven public media organizations have engaged with scientific experts and specialists as well as major political and economic leaders to cover all aspects of the pandemic and to deliver reliable information, says the statement. In addition, the international media have sought to entertain and educate audiences through their programming during the pandemic.
The media organizations have also helped to pay tribute to healthcare personnel, researchers and frontline workers, and have raised awareness of the increase in domestic and family violence during times of lockdown and how to prevent it, they say.
“This period should encourage us to draw lessons about the way the world works and changes, about social relations, about the importance of public services and access to information. Our media contribute to the international reflection and debate needed to build the post-pandemic future and make the most of it,” continues the statement.
“This common mission at the service of the general interest, democratic values and freedom of expression, which brings us together, is particularly illustrated in the light of the health crisis. We will do our utmost to build on this public confidence in our media, which is more precious and greater than ever.”
The DG7 members are:
- Catherine Tait, president and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada
- Marie-Christine Saragosse, president and director general, France Médias Monde
- Peter Limbourg, director general, Deutsche Welle
- Jamie Angus, director, BBC World Service Group
- Grant Turner, CEO and director, USAGM
- Takai Takaaki, managing director, NHK World Japan
- David Anderson, managing director, ABC Australia
