Freedom of the Press in Focus
05/08/2000
The printed word creates freedom and equality
On World Press Freedom Day, Heidelberg boss Bernhard Schreier hands out commendations to 50 journalists and a donation of 50,000 US-Dollar at the IPI Congress in Boston
"The free word needs effective media and lines of communication", warned Bernhard Schreier, Chairman of the Management Board at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, in his address to high-ranking guests at the International Press Institute's (IPI) 50th World Congress. He stated that his company is committed to the unrestricted distribution and use of information all over the world. Schreier praised 50 journalists from every continent for their work and for their contribution to the struggle for freedom of opinion. These "Heroes of Press Freedom" received this honor on May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, in Boston.
"Freedom of the press can only be maintained if this freedom is constantly exercised. Newspapers and magazines must allow this to happen", stressed Katherine Graham, publisher of the Washington Post. Graham, the courageous publicist who brought the Watergate affair to the headlines, voiced the sentiments of all those present. She stated that, in more and more countries, journalists are blocked, threatened, incarcerated and even beaten up. This sort of intimidation must be "fought by the might of the media, which is not so much characterized by its publishers, but rather by the way news is reported and printed."
The IPI organization has played a significant role in highlighting assaults on press freedom. In the 50 years since its foundation, a network of media creators from more than 100 countries has been created. IPI Director Johann P. Fritz reported that many persecuted journalists have been helped by the IPI over the years. Fritz thanked Heidelberg boss Bernhard Schreier for a donation from the company amounting to 50,000 US-Dollar, which would be of considerable assistance in continuing the IPI's efforts in the future. The prize ceremony took place on May 3rd ahead of the 50th IPI World Congress, with guests including US Vice-President Al Gore, former US Foreign Minister Henry Kissinger, UN Vice Secretary-General Louise Fréchette and other well-known personalities. At a gala evening on the eve of the ceremony, US Senator Edward M. Kennedy thanked the IPI and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen for their outstanding commitment to the cause. Kennedy recalled a few words spoken by his assassinated brother, US President John F. Kennedy - "There is no doubt that we would not be able to carry out our duties in a free society if it weren't for an active press."
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Hans-Dieter Siegfried
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 63
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 46
E-mail: hans-dieter.siegfried@heidelberg.com
On World Press Freedom Day, Heidelberg boss Bernhard Schreier hands out commendations to 50 journalists and a donation of 50,000 US-Dollar at the IPI Congress in Boston
"The free word needs effective media and lines of communication", warned Bernhard Schreier, Chairman of the Management Board at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, in his address to high-ranking guests at the International Press Institute's (IPI) 50th World Congress. He stated that his company is committed to the unrestricted distribution and use of information all over the world. Schreier praised 50 journalists from every continent for their work and for their contribution to the struggle for freedom of opinion. These "Heroes of Press Freedom" received this honor on May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, in Boston.
"Freedom of the press can only be maintained if this freedom is constantly exercised. Newspapers and magazines must allow this to happen", stressed Katherine Graham, publisher of the Washington Post. Graham, the courageous publicist who brought the Watergate affair to the headlines, voiced the sentiments of all those present. She stated that, in more and more countries, journalists are blocked, threatened, incarcerated and even beaten up. This sort of intimidation must be "fought by the might of the media, which is not so much characterized by its publishers, but rather by the way news is reported and printed."
The IPI organization has played a significant role in highlighting assaults on press freedom. In the 50 years since its foundation, a network of media creators from more than 100 countries has been created. IPI Director Johann P. Fritz reported that many persecuted journalists have been helped by the IPI over the years. Fritz thanked Heidelberg boss Bernhard Schreier for a donation from the company amounting to 50,000 US-Dollar, which would be of considerable assistance in continuing the IPI's efforts in the future. The prize ceremony took place on May 3rd ahead of the 50th IPI World Congress, with guests including US Vice-President Al Gore, former US Foreign Minister Henry Kissinger, UN Vice Secretary-General Louise Fréchette and other well-known personalities. At a gala evening on the eve of the ceremony, US Senator Edward M. Kennedy thanked the IPI and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen for their outstanding commitment to the cause. Kennedy recalled a few words spoken by his assassinated brother, US President John F. Kennedy - "There is no doubt that we would not be able to carry out our duties in a free society if it weren't for an active press."
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Hans-Dieter Siegfried
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 63
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 46
E-mail: hans-dieter.siegfried@heidelberg.com
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