The democracy of news versus the dictatorship of opinion
Democracy depends on factual truths being placed at the heart of public debate rather than the relativity of opinions, writes Mediapart publishing editor Edwy Plenel in this op-ed article. Beyond the urgent need to free the media from the control of monied interests, this was the key political question that was raised at a recent national convention on the independent press, in which Mediapart took part.
“Never“Never has political 'power' less deserved its name. Never have the 'public authorities' abdicated their responsibilities to this extent on issues that are vital both for today and tomorrow.” Taking aim at the inadequacy and the impotency of those who govern us in the face of the climate emergency, these opening lines from 'Manifeste contre l’impuissance publique' ('Manifesto against state impotency') by philosopher Dominique Bourg and historian Johann Chapoutot (published by Tracts Gallimard 2022) also apply perfectly to our leaders' attitude faced with the accelerating and catastrophic damage being caused to our system of news.
