Culture and Media

By Irina Bokov* – Would you trust your news from any source? How are we able to ensure that ‘fake’(d) news does not overtake the flow of information? Journalism plays a vital role for society, bringing verifiable news and informed…

By Jhon Sánchez In 2015, at the Bronx Library Center, the first thing that Pinny did before starting his reading was to come around to greet each of us in the audience. Pinny writes about growing up in Washington Heights…

For the World Forum on Urban Violence, Madrid, 19-21 April 2017, Johan Galtung wrote an editorial piece for Transcend Media Service which we reproduce in full here. Mayors from around the world, Ladies and Gentlemen, To reduce direct violence in…

When President Trump attacked Syria with Tomahawk missiles last week, the media cheered. MSNBC’s Brian Williams even said, “We see these beautiful pictures at night from the decks of these two U.S. Navy vessels in the eastern Mediterranean.” Let that sink…

This has been a unique year for one of the most ancient Italian cities; it is as well one of the Italian towns with the most fascinating past, both for the myths concerning its origins and for the rich history…

While denouncing all bombing in Syria, Pressenza is concerned that the latest events in the country are leading towards an extension of military activity in Syria and that the information fed by the mainstream media such as the BBC may…

By Jhon Sánchez Marcia Butler’s book came to me like a miracle. I was editing a short story that elicits around the topic of music when ‘The Skin Above My Knee’ plopped into my mailbox. It surprised me that Marcia…

By Fackson Banda Fackson Banda is Programme Specialist in the Bureau of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). PARIS (IDN) – As social media expands, journalism is more special than ever: This is the conviction expressed by…

By Guy Berger Guy Berger is Director, Division of Freedom of Expression and Media Development. PARIS (IDN) – While global controversies around “fake news” continue unabated, UNESCO holds two events at its Paris HQ this week which will give more…

By Jhon Sánchez A flight attendant looked at me in the eye and said, “Jhon Sánchez? We’ve been calling you for half hour. Your flight has already departed.” Irritated she shook her head and added, “Where were you? I didn’t…