JOURNALISM AND TERRORISM

The Attlee Room, Portcullis House, Westminster

A debate sponsored by the network for press freedom.

Amnesty International * Article XIX * Association of European Journalists * Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom * Commonwealth Press Union * Human Rights Watch * Freedom of Information Campaign * Index on Censorship * International Press Institute * Liberty * Newspaper Society * National Union of Journalists * The Radio Academy * Reporters sans Frontieres * Society of Editors * UNESCO Note the latest additions to the endorsing group UPDATE MARCH 25 DRAFT AGENDA Section 1 (1000-1045) Introduction by chair: Sheena Macdonald (TO BE CONFIRMED) - underlining the historic, broad coalition of interests represented by the co-ordinating group: roll call...including editors, MPs etc. Rules for speaking from the floor, etc. When we say ‘press' freedom, that's of course shorthand for all media. Dr Ahmad Fawzi UN's UK Director - background to WPF Day Peter Preston International Press Institute - Formal resolution Robin Cook (OR AN OTHER) - Government's attitude towards press freedom Mark Damazer Deputy Director, BBC News Greg Palast Section 2 (1045-1115) Debate from the floor (speaker's cards: to allow some sort of balance/structure?) plus intervention mike? Veronica Forword Reporters Sans Frontieres - scene-setter and launch annual report on the state of press freedom worldwide COFFEE BREAK 1115-1130 Section 3 (1130-1245) UK editors/journalists Co-ordinating Group reps Jeremy Dear Ivor Gaber Summation (1245-1300) Robin Lustig CLOSE 1300 Light refreshments INVITATIONS in hand: Chair: Sheena Macdonald (Jock: awaiting her return from US) Politician: Robin Cook's responses awaited (Jack Straw/Lord Macdonald are alternatives) Susan Sontag - Index Jonathan Friedland - Index John Pilger, Yosri Fouda of Al-Jazeera - NUJ T All national editors (Jock: awaiting responses) All former-journalists-turned-parliamentarians (Tim/Jock: additional names welcomed) Possibles: Martin Bell (Jock) Robert Fisk, Madeleine Bunting, Mark Steel, Seamus Milne (anyone volunteering to approach or supply e-mail addresses?) ITN figure (Sue Tinson chasing?) PETER PRESTON's names to be added Definites: Dr Ahmad Fawzi United Nations UK Director (Jock) Mark Damazer Deputy Director, BBC News Peter Preston IPI Jeremy Dear NUJ General Secretary Greg Palast Austin Mitchell MP Lord McNally Toby Mendel Article XIX's Head of Law Programme (can I suggest he distributes his paper ‘Consequences for Freedom of Expression of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11' but contributes more briefly to the debate (Sara to confirm) -ditto- Ivor Gaber on ‘new terrorism' and his argument for responsible journalism (possibly with TV footage?) Veronika Forwood Reporters sans Frontiers Robin Lustig British Journalism Review Brief biogs needed of all confirmed speakers COSTS: Forgive me for reminding everyone but because of the nature of our various groups, guests' expenses, if any, must be looked after by the sponsoring group. I am seeking some sponsorships support towards room hire, refreshments etc. Print, communications etc (JG will provide PDF templates for tickets/flyersetc plus individual groups) TICKETS: To date there have been no bids for tickets. Remember: the limit is 150 and I suspect we will end up with about 50 guests leaving only an average of eight other tickets for each group. Don't forget that because of security at Portcullis House, admission will be strictly by ticket only. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ASAP Organisation on the day Chair's aide: Jock Gallagher (need to do speakers cards) Welcoming party: Ivor Gaber/Peter Preston/Tim Gopsill/Julian Petchley Stewarding etc: Nora Cranston (plus two Amnesty volunteers) Microphones/recording equipment/needed PRESS INVITATION Names for media/political correspondents who might be intersted in cover the event will be welcome. REFRESHMENTS Wine/soft drinks/canapes (DEPENDENT ON SUFFICIENT FUNDS: ideas for sponsorship etc welcome). COMMENTS AND UPDATES ESPECIALLY WELCOME - Jock