WSF launches "fifth power" to defend Venezuelans against the media

www.vheadline.com Posted: Monday, January 27, 2003 - 3:49:25 PM By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuela’s print & broadcast media have come under attack from delegates attending the World Social Forum (WSF) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Le Monde Diplomatique editor Ignacio Ramonet has announced the formation of what he calls the “Fifth Power,” that will "defend citizens' right to receive truthful information."

• The one-sided Venezuelan mainstream media are cited as an example of joining the powerful to oppress the people.

Ramonet accuses Venezuelan media tycoon, Gustavo Cisneros of leading the opposition attack on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias.  He accuses the media, traditionally known as the "fourth power" for failing to defend citizens against the might of executive, legislative and judicial powers. Throwing a challenge to neo-liberalism, Ramonet says the anti-globalization is here to stay.