Media Caucus

 

This statement was drafted by the Media Caucus during the PrepCom held in New York 26 February - 17 March 2000.

In the past five years, media, including new information and communication technologies, have taken on an even more prominent role in shaping public opinion on issues of economy, trade, entertainment and education.While some aspects of this have had a positive impact, the commercial dimensions of media are being globalised faster than the parallel principles of public service, public protection and public access. This development has furhter marginlaised women by widening the gap between those who have access to information, are able to participate and have input into the process and content, and those who do not.

It is with this deep concern that the Media Caucus calls on the 44th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women acting as the Preparatory Committee to the UN General Assembly Special Session in June 2000, to reaffirm their commitement to the Women and Media Section (Section J) of the Beijing Platform for Action.