Arab media companies to establish coalition for media freedom

Arab media representatives at the Arab Spring Conference in Cairo Members of Arab media present at the Arab Spring Conference in Cairo on Thursday agreed to establish the Arab Coalition for Media Freedom, as part of plans to develop an Arab civil organisation that supports the freedom of the press in the Arab world.
The conference recommended changing the legislative and institutional framework of the Arab press and the establishing rules for freedom of the press and independence of all sources that have been controlled by governments.
Delegates also approved a coalition that includes various forces and revolutionary institutions to devote the concepts of freedom of the press and its standards.
In the the conference's final session, attendees outlined the importance of victories achieved by  the Arab Spring revolutions, and the role the media played in ending the fear and despair of Arab citizens.
They also pointed out the challenges that the Arab world faces during the democratic transition which has followed the Arab spring, such as the role played by former regimes, and some political Islamist groups.
"Journalists and their organisations should not carry out their role separate from the public rights of getting information," the conference statement said.