Tom Brokaw delivers message on free press

Q: What are some of CPJ's goals?

A: I think as much as anything is that we want to make people aware of the importance of a free press, unfettered by government repression. And we want to make people aware that in so much of the world, even in emerging democracies, some of the old practices are still in place. And in places like Ireland, the rule of mob law is sometimes more prevalent than the rule of law. Thomas Jefferson, I think, probably said it best when he said, ‘If I had a choice between a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government I would not hesitate to choose the latter.’ That might be the extreme position to take, but it’s important, as we have learned in this ever more complicated world, to have courageous reporters who are independent and have the freedom to tell their readers and viewers and now the people who access them on the Internet what, in fact, is going on -- not just what the government or other interests say is going on.

Q: Tell us about the International Press Freedom Awards Dinner that CPJ hosts every year.

A: Well it’s the most inspirational dinner of the year. Journalists come from this city and all over America and always walk out saying, ‘I will never complain again about working an extra couple of hours or getting on an airplane late at night,’ because you hear these heroic and grateful young editors and reporters from Central America and South America, from Eastern Europe and from Africa a lot, from the war zone. You know, I think there have been 37 journalists  who have been killed this year (up to 42 at the time of publication). We’re always mindful of that and it’s one occasion in which everybody can come together in the same ballroom, listen to these heroic and inspirational stories and I think be renewed in terms of their sense of commitment to what we’re doing.

Q: Why is it important for people to support CPJ?

A: It’s important because … we are at war in this country. We have something that was imposed on us in a matter of speaking on 9/11 called Islamic rage, and we need brave independent people who can go out there and determine for free people everywhere the information that they need to make wise choices about their lives and about the future of their society.

Q: How can people get involved and help?

A: Go to our Web site. It’s very good. And, we’d be happy to accept a check.

Interviewed by Giacinta Pace of NBC News.

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