Hamelink, “Global Market and Morality”

Trends in the business of media--

“The policy choices that the world community makes for the scope/shape of the market are largely guided by the assumption that a free market under capitalist conditions provides an optimal distribution of information and communication resources in the world. As takeovers occur in the world communication market, mega corporations are emerging and their powers, by and large, are beyond national control. Who, then, will protect the public interest?”

Human Rights

I. Freedom of Expression (Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights): “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through ay media and regardless of frontiers.”

II. Freedom from Discrimination (Article 20, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights): “Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.”

 

III. Right to Privacy (Article 12, Universal Declaration of Human Rights); (Article 17a, International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights): “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy.”

IV. Development (Declaration on the Right to Development): “The right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized.”

V. Cultural Rights (Article 27, Universal Declaration of Human Right): “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community.” Article 22: “Everyone is entitled to the realization . . . of cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.”