3 May
2012
3 May
'12
4:14 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2012
Contact: Rohit Mahajan 202 530 4976 <mailto:mahajanr@rfa.org>
mahajanr(a)rfa.org
RFA President Responds to Freedom of the Press Findings
Radio Free Asia Broadcast Countries 'Not Free'
WASHINGTON - Today, on World Press Freedom Day, Radio Free Asia (RFA)
President Libby Liu responded to Freedom House's 2012 Freedom of the Press
<http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/freedom-press-2012>
survey that classified all six of RFA's broadcast countries as "Not Free"
with North Korea as the worst-rated country on the list.
"Sadly, on World Press Freedom Day, there is little to celebrate in the
countries into which Radio Free Asia broadcasts," Liu said. "For our
listeners, as Freedom House's survey finds, free speech, free expression,
and free press are far from being guaranteed rights.
"Audiences turn to Radio Free Asia not only as a source of trusted news, but
as a way to get closer to the truth and to each other, as well as having
their voices heard."
Freedom House's survey found that despite the overall conditions for press
freedoms improving elsewhere in Asia, RFA target countries' media
environments remain stuck in a pattern of heavy restrictions and censorship.
China was cited by the report for having the "most sophisticated system of
media repression" and for stepping up "its drive to control both old and new
sources of news and information through arrest and censorship."
RFA's mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to
Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press. Guided by
the core principles of freedom of expression and opinion, RFA serves its
listeners by providing information critical for informed decision-making.
Radio Free Asia has nine language services delivering content online and via
the airwaves and satellite television into six countries: China, North
Korea, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
# # #
Radio Free Asia is a private, nonprofit corporation broadcasting and
publishing online news, information, and commentary in nine East Asian
languages to listeners who do not have access to full and free news media.
RFA's broadcasts seek to promote the rights of freedom of opinion and
expression, including the freedom to "seek, receive, and impart information
and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." RFA is funded by
an annual grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Rohit Mahajan
Media Relations Manager
Radio Free Asia
Email: mahajanr(a)rfa.org
Desk: (202) 530-4976
Cell: (202) 489-8021
www.rfa.org
