US Ambassador congratulates Azerbaijani media on National Press Day

According to APA, Ms. Derse stressed in the congratulatory message that an independent media is an indispensable building block of a strong, representative democracy.

"An independent media has the power to strengthen democracy by informing and educating citizens, to spur democratic development by fueling the competition of ideas and to protect democracy by exposing waste, fraud and corruption. Journalists have the power to be the eyes, ears, and voice of society.
With such power comes responsibility. The media must wield its tremendous power with a commitment to seek and report the truth with objectivity and integrity. Citizens in a democratic society depend on the media to distinguish news from commentary, and to report the facts accurately. A high standard of professionalism and a strong code of ethics are critical.
I wish you success in your noble role as guarantors of democracy and in your pursuit of the truth," the US ambassador concluded.