Freedom of the press- A Fragile Right

The Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand has contributed to the ongoing debate about freedom of New Zealand media with the launch of its publication Free Press Free Society. The book was commissioned by the NPA from Wellington journalist Karl du Fresne.

On publication of Free Press Free Society, NPA president Mr Mike Robson said: "We have been concerned for a long time that the public under-standing of press freedom is not as good as it could be. It's our job to do something about it. This book will throw a lot more light on the many issues that surround the role and function of the press.

"We hope to give this matter a fresh hearing and a new understanding amongst the public and decision makers. We felt that a personal account might challenge and inform readers in an original way. The NPA is proud to be associated with the publication."

Author and well respected Wellington journalist Karl du Fresne has more than two decades of newspaper experience. He is a former editor of The Dominion and now an assistant editor of The Evening Post. In Free Press Free Society, du Fresne tracks the history of press freedom, the importance of maintaining a free press and the constant threats to this freedom.

At the official launch of Free Press Free Society, the Chief Ombudsman, John Robertson, said: "The publication serves important purposes. It makes the point that freedom of the press is a fragile right and it serves to illustrate that the public and the industry have to be vigilant and act decisively when challenges occur in the future.

"Chronicles of this merit make a major contribution to the establishment of standards and professionalism. I take great pleasure in launching this important publication and congratulate the author and the Newspaper Publishers Association for having the foresight and tenacity to see the project completed."

Free Press Free Society has been published as an education resource and information tool. It will be widely distributed to schools, universities, Members of Parliament, local body and government department managers and libraries. It is available free of charge from the Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand.

Jack R Herman

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