The Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information in Panama has issued a stark declaration. The group warns that press freedom, a cornerstone of democracy, faces escalating threats from disinformation and the commodification of news. The statement was released to coincide with global observations of International Human Rights Day.
This professional association framed its message as a direct response to current challenges within Panama and other democracies worldwide. Their central argument holds that independent, ethical journalism is a non-negotiable requirement for a transparent and healthy society, not a secondary aspiration. The forum’s document insists a community’s ability to understand itself and progress depends on rigorous reporting.
“Investigating with rigor and communicating with responsibility are acts that allow society to understand itself, protect itself, and move forward,” the Forum’s statement notes. [Translated from Spanish]
Current Threats to Democratic Discourse
The communique specifically identifies digital platforms and a decline in verification standards as primary dangers. It describes an environment where the rapid circulation of unverified content, personal attacks, and organized disinformation campaigns actively erode public trust. This deterioration directly poisons democratic debate, the journalists argue.
When information transforms into a mere product rather than a public service, a fundamental civic right is compromised. The forum emphasized that core journalistic ethics cannot be replaced. Editorial independence, source verification, and a commitment to facts must remain paramount, they stated, and should never be subordinated to other interests.
“Nothing of this can be substituted by practices that subordinate the truth to interests,” the Forum emphasized. [Translated from Spanish]
Professional journalism demands measure, rigor, and deep social responsibility according to the group. They characterized the work of principled reporters as one of democracy’s most solid safeguards. This work involves questioning power, examining public decisions, and demanding explanations from authorities.
A Call for Collective Defense
The statement concludes with a broad invitation for reflection and action. The Forum calls on media outlets, journalism professionals, and the general public to consider their individual roles in defending freedom of the press. They draw a direct line from protecting journalists to safeguarding democratic systems and, by extension, all human rights.
“Protecting journalism is protecting democracy. And protecting democracy is, ultimately, safeguarding the human rights we commemorate today,” the Forum’s communication concludes. [Translated from Spanish]
This public stance from a key professional body highlights growing concern over the information ecosystem in Panama. It frames the defense of factual, accountable reporting as an urgent prerequisite for maintaining other fundamental freedoms recognized on International Human Rights Day.