Presentation of Prix Europa (Berlin, 20 October 2007)

Speech by President Halvdan Skard, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Council of Europe

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Council of Europe and its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in particular is a founding member and constant supporter of Prix Europa. Our aim is to reward and encourage best practices and programmes among local media promoting local democracy.

 

In our 47 member states, we strongly believe that free and independent media at local and regional level are a key element of good democratic governance. The media serve to promote greater transparency and accountability. The media press for high ethical standards. Local media are also a vehicle for dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives. Media may play a crucial role in ensuring fair conduct of local elections. Media should also generate greater involvement of people in political processes at the local level. In other words, local media serve as a public framework for good democratic governance.

It has been said that “justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done”. The same goes for democracy and democratic governance, which must not only serve people but must also be seen to serve people. And this is the job for the media.

The Prize was created in 1987 in recognition of the importance of local media, radio and television in particular, for the good functioning of democracy at grassroots level. We have supported it ever since, and we have again great expectations as to who will be the winner of the prize this year.