Dr. Venkat Iyer, a Barrister and Law Commissioner, United Kingdom, calls for pluralism or a marketplace of ideas in media that accommodates both mainstream and alternative views. He said belief in a free press is a requisite to allow a flourishing of ideas that can enhance media practice.
Dr. Venkat Iyer, a Barrister and Law Commissioner, United Kingdom, calls for pluralism or a marketplace of ideas in media that accommodates both mainstream and alternative views. He said belief in a free press is a requisite to allow a flourishing of ideas that can enhance media practice.
He spoke before some 70 participants of the pre-summit workshop on Media Ethics in the Age of Social Media that was held on 28 May 2013 in Manado, Indonesia. He served as the trainer of the one-day workshop that examined ethical issues impacting the individual as a journalist and the conduct of journalism.
Asked about the ethical issues surrounding a news organization that lacks impartiality and works for a political agenda, Dr. Iyer said he does not believe journalists can be totally impartial. However, if they believe in a free press, then they should allow for a flourishing of ideas, even if these are contrary to a political agenda.
A code of ethical conduct in most cases is within the broader framework of regulations that should not end stifling media freedom. Dr. Iyer said this should not be at the cost of the essential value of free speech. However, he clarified that “the right to free speech is not absolute and the issue is where to draw the line and strike a balance.”
Dr. Iyer also called for a strong public education to help citizens discern and judge the value of content on social media.
In discussing ethical issues affecting the conduct of journalism, Dr. Iyer said a journalist’s scope of duty will be defined by the relevance of the information imparted and the extent/nature of analysis expected.
Ethical dilemmas can confront journalists who are faced with the duty to remain impartial, avoid giving offense, keep out material that is likely only to satisfy the prurient curiosity of the public, keep news and opinion separate and to apply different standards to each, and ensure accuracy, veracity or legality.
Pluralism in Media
Dr. Venkat Iyer, a Barrister and Law Commissioner, United Kingdom, calls for pluralism or a marketplace of ideas in media that accommodates both mainstream and alternative views. He said belief in a free press is a requisite to allow a flourishing of ideas that can enhance media practice.
3D Technology Benefits
Delegates from ten Asia-Pacific and African broadcasters are participating in the 3D Master Class, one of five pre-summit sessions preparatory to the Asia Media Summit 2013 in Manado, Indonesia. Ms. Sarah Rotter, a stereographer of Stereotec in Germany and the workshop trainer, said using 3D technology would reap benefits for broadcasters as well as consumers.
Welcome to Manado for the 10th AMS Celebration
The Asia Media Summit (AMS) 2013, organised by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) and hosted by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) together with Provincial and Local Governments will be held in Manado, Indonesia from 29 to 31 May 2013. Several pre-summit events will also be held from 26 - 28 May 2013.
AMS Information
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the beautiful city of Manado for the occasion of the 10th Asia Media Summit. We hope that your travels to this special venue will be smooth, and we look forward to your involvement in the coming exciting days.
AMS 2013 – Session 2
Day 1 - Wednesday, 29th May, 1600 - 1730
Session 2: Dealing with Ethics: Are Existing Models Effective?
As audiences become more demanding and discriminating, broadcast organizations will need to pursue a healthier mechanism to deal with ethical complaints and violations. Existing models include state regulation, self-regulation and co-regulation. Are they still valid and effective? Are codes of ethics making sense to promote professionalism? Do we need a more robust organization to enforce media ethics? Is there a role for the state in a self-regulatory system? What is a better alternative?
AMS 2013 – Parallel Session 2
Day 1 - Wednesday, 29th May, 1400 - 1530
Parallel Session 2: Media Literacy: Fulfilling Its Mandate
Initiatives on media literacy programs in order to gain critical autonomy relationship with all media in Asia-Pacific have been wanting. In some countries, media literacy in schools is subsumed in other subjects. Others emphasize acquiring production skills to help people understand, produce and negotiate meanings in a culture made up of powerful images, words and sounds. How can we promote and expand media literacy? Can we extend emphasis to other areas such as building an informed citizenship, aesthetic appreciation and expression, social advocacy, self-esteem, and consumer competence? What are some best media literacy practices?
AMS 2013 – Parallel Session 1
Day 1 - Wednesday, 29th May, 1400 - 1530
Parallel Session 1: Taking More Action for Sustainable Development: Can Media Help?
The recent United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, more known as Rio+20 Earth Summit in 2012 has raised more concerns and expectations in dealing with an accelerating ecosystem degradation and increasing number of climate-induced extreme weather events. Compounding these problems are the global financial crisis, food and water scarcity, and volatile oil prices. As these multiple crises continue to become the dominant stories, can old and new media help build the capacity of a growing human population to live peacefully and sustainably on this planet?
Noted speakers make AMS 2013 a special gathering
AMS 2013 Day Two (30 May) continues with the fascinating
Stellar Lineup of Speakers at AMS 2013
AMS 2013 Day One (29 May) offers an impressive mix of speakers from a variety of backgrounds, be in the broadcast industry, academia, NGO’s and other international organizations. Join us in this select gathering as we deliberate and debate on the most pressing issues facing the world of broadcasting!