Public broadcasters formally commit to addressing disinformation, news availability

Public broadcasters from around the world are pledging to fight disinformation and hold social media platforms accountable in ensuring the free flow of reliable news. The Ottawa Declaration, signed by members of the Public Media Alliance (PMA) representing more than 50 public broadcasters worldwide, was presented this week by CBC/Radio-Canada during this year’s Public Broadcasters International conference. It outlines commitments to address disinformation, news discoverability, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. “The purpose of is really to say, ‘the world as we knew it is no longer, and the tools that we had to manage it are no longer sufficient,’” said CBC CEO Catherine Tait in an interview with The Wire Report. Tait emphasized the harm that disinformation can cause to democratic stability and the information ecosystem, pointing to malicious actors and algorithms that exacerbate societal divisions and spur distrust in the media. Through the irresponsible use of AI, these trends are accelerated. “With AI coming, we need to be sure as public media to collaborate, because none of us individually has the resources to fix the problem or to ensure that AI is used ethically,” she said. Public service media is “vital to ensuring strong and healthy democracies now and into the future,” the document argues. In response to mounting challenges -- including the decline of local news outlets, diminished visibility of reliable news online, and the growing influence of misinformation -- signatories of the Ottawa Declaration pledge to address such issues through five primary commitments. For one, signatories aim to provide accurate news available for all citizens, “in line with evolving technology and changing consumption habits.” They also agree to work together to tackle disinformation and misinformation, with efforts including fact-checking and supporting media literacy “for people of all ages.” The public media organizations affirmed their aims to create spaces for respectful and informed discourse that reflect audience diversity and promote nuanced debate. The declaration calls on social media platforms to fairly facilitate the distribution of reliable news “on fair terms,” and to implement safeguards against disinformation and misleading “imposter content” masquerading as professional news media. Finally, the signatories also commit to using artificial intelligence responsibly, emphasizing transparency and ethical standards to support public interest. phalentm@thewirereport.ca

Public broadcasters formally commit to addressing disinformation, news availability

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
| October 11, 2024

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Public broadcasters formally commit to addressing disinformation, news availability

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
| October 11, 2024