President of Portugal Seguro: Local Press is the Cornerstone of Democracy

The President of Portugal, António José Seguro, emphasized that local and regional press is an integral part of democracy. Speaking at the centenary gala dinner of the Correio do Minho newspaper in the city of Braga, Seguro stated that regional media is not just a tool for getting news. The head of state underlined that the local press is also a crucial actor contributing to the development of communities. Seguro's words were recorded as a striking assessment on the place of media in society and democratic participation. Numerous guests attending the event listened with great interest to the President's message regarding the role of journalism in society.

President Seguro stated that the regional press is a critical channel for citizens to follow local decisions. He noted that local media plays a major role in helping people learn about issues in their regions and participate more consciously in public life. He also added to his words that regional newspapers serve as a strong oversight mechanism and promote transparency. The head of state emphasized that these media organizations also provide a platform for voices that cannot find a place in large national media. Seguro stated that the local press also makes profound contributions to regional development by supporting the cultural identity and economic projects of the region.

At a time when the world and social media are increasingly struggling with disinformation, the importance of regional journalism is increasing even more. Seguro noted that, in contrast to rapidly spreading misleading news, local media is an invaluable reference point in terms of reliability, proximity, and public service. In other words, supporting the regional press actually means building a stronger democracy and a more informed society. At the foundation of a conscious, participatory society ready for future challenges lies a solid understanding of local journalism. Seguro reminded that in this context, one must always be vigilant against the threats faced by press freedom and independent journalism worldwide.

Touching upon his personal experiences during his speech, the President of Portugal announced that he was among the founders of a local newspaper in his youth. Seguro stated that the experiences he gained at that time regarding the dynamics of the journalism profession and regional news production processes left a very valuable mark on his life. He admitted that if he were to undertake the same task today, he would have serious concerns, especially regarding ensuring the financial sustainability of a regional publication. The struggle of local media to survive has become more complex today than ever due to digital transformation and changing reading habits. Nevertheless, Seguro stated that the Correio do Minho newspaper reaching an average of eighty thousand readers is concrete proof that the regional press can sustain its power and success with the right strategies.

The centenary of the Correio do Minho newspaper is considered an important milestone celebrating the deep-rooted past and unchanging importance of local journalism in Portugal. The speech made by the President of Portugal on this meaningful night honored not just a single newspaper, but the struggle and value of local media organizations across the entire country. The event in question brought together media professionals, local politicians, and different segments of society, enabling them to exchange ideas on press freedom. The unique role of regional press in protecting the democratic system and local cultural memory is brought back to the agenda time and again with such celebrations. These supportive messages from the highest office of the Portuguese state have been a source of morale for industry representatives while also helping the public to grasp the importance of the issue.