A Free Press For A Principal

What's one way the World Bank can combat the corruption that threatens the economies of developing countries? By making freedom of the press a prerequisite for loans, argues David Hoffman in today's International Herald Tribune.

Hoffman, president of Internews Network explains that "corruption can only flourish when governments operate with impunity outside the bright lights and public exposure that independent media bring." He notes that current World Bank president, Paul Wolfowitz, is making strides by acknowledging that a free press is necessary when addressing economic development. Wolfowitz has been "quietly breaking precedent by ordering the bank to publicly protest when press freedoms are under attack."

But to really make progress, the World Bank's position should be crystal clear, writes Hoffman:

"If Wolfowitz and the Bank are to attack corruption effectively, they would also be well advised to make media freedom a precondition for future loans."