One of occasional series informal chief executives' meetings over dinner, the discussion ranged over issues of public policy and the performance of public agencies, and how public agencies and the Fourth Estate could better work together while always operating with the public interest in mind.
The meeting considered the ways in which access to the media is changing while, in democratic societies, it undertakes fundamentally the same role as it has always had. The accepted view in coming to discuss the reporting of what government does and what is in the public interest was that in democracies the media is fundamental to political and public life. It mediates facts that allow people to be better informed about issues that matter to them and us; it provides criticism and debate to ensure information is tested and examined from different points of view; and it performs an investigative and examining role to ensure that power is checked and decision makers are held to account. This flow and scrutiny of information and ideas leads to open debate and discussion that is crucial to the growth and flourishing of society, both economically and socially. If the public is well informed about the issues affecting society, the easier it is for government to come up with sensible solutions and to develop robust policies that command people's confidence.
"In the Public Interest - Throwing the spotlight on government" (October 2011) is a summary of the discussion that took place. It is available at: Link.
For more information contact Kim McKnight, (T) 02890 347400.