A new approach to deal with sensationalism and negativism in news that are increasingly turning off audiences and pushing them to trust media less and care less about the world is the application of constructive journalism.
Constructive journalism can “ empower audiences to have an accurate view of the world and also learn about solutions, not just problems, what’s working and not just what’s not working” Mr Mark Egan, a mobile video specialist and faculty member of EuroVision Academy, said,
A new approach to deal with sensationalism and negativism in news that are increasingly turning off audiences and pushing them to trust media less and care less about the world is the application of constructive journalism.
Constructive journalism can “ empower audiences to have an accurate view of the world and also learn about solutions, not just problems, what’s working and not just what’s not working” Mr Mark Egan, a mobile video specialist and faculty member of EuroVision Academy, said.
There is a need for constructive journalism, he said, because of the “ pressures of audiences as well as other pressures. People see news becoming more cynical and negative, and what they see and read do not match the experience of what they see in the real world.”
Egan, former BBC video journalist, handled the master class on constructive journalism from 4-5 June 2017 in Qingdao, China. Some 16 journalists from 12 countries in Asia-Pacific and Africa participated in the two-day pre-summit, organised by AIBD and supported by CCTV and EuroVision Academy.
In his presentation, Egan identified key elements of constructive journalism, saying it adheres to the core functions of rigorous journalism, and serves society by providing an accurate representation of the world. It also steers clear of stereotypes, clichés & over-simplification, and makes more diverse editorial decisions more accurate representation of world.
He cited a BBC study that revealed that 64% of under-35s on-line want news to provide solutions to problems, not news that tells them about just problems. It also said 89% of Germans: media reported too much about the problems and not enough about the solutions.
Constructive journalism is alsofuture oriented; it sees both the positive and negative, he said. “ It is critical but not cynical and calls on the press to take its commitment to democratic participation and public debate seriously,” Egan added.
What is constructive journalism not? Egan said it is not positive, fluffy or excessively optimistic. It is also not activism, or making a plea for a specific cause, not a hero or NGO worship or a silver bullet, glorifying something as a life saver and a cute story before the weather, and not afraid to investigate and question.
He also said constructive journalism is not uncritical and covering up conflicts.
The master class, which is one of six pre-summits leading to the Asia Media Summit, featured some best practices in constructive journalism from TV networks in Europe and several exercises that apply the steps of constructive journalism: planning, executing and sharing.
“It is not a panacea for all journalistic problems, such as collapsing business models, and not applicable for every story such as breaking news, highly politically or ideologically charged stories, very complex systemic issues, stories that require building public awareness”, Egan said.
He said that If not carefully handled, media practitioners can move towards the side of advocacy or activism. He advised journaliststo keep their independence at all times.
Sarah Gibson, Implementation Manager and Senior Editor at BBC, showed a case study during the Master Class.
Constructive Journalism: Bringing Back Journalism to its Core Values
A new approach to deal with sensationalism and negativism in news that are increasingly turning off audiences and pushing them to trust media less and care less about the world is the application of constructive journalism. Constructive journalism can “ empower audiences to have an accurate view of the world and also learn about solutions, not just problems, what’s working and not just what’s not working” Mr Mark Egan, a mobile video specialist and faculty member of EuroVision Academy, said,
AIBD/VTV/UNISDR/ADPC In-Country Workshop on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for Broadcasters
Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in partnership with and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) held a media training workshop at the headquarters of Vietnam Television (VTV) in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 25 to 26 April 2017.
Twenty-seven participants from Vietnam Television (VTV) and Voice of Vietnam (VOV) attended the ‘In-Country Workshop on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for Broadcasters’.
AIBD/RTB In-Country Workshop on CCU Operation
The In-Country workshop on Camera Control Unit (CCU) Operation was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from 25 April to 1 May 2017. The workshop was designed for the technical staff of Radio Television Brunei (RTB).
‘A revolution in broadcasting…’ Smartphone course in KL
A group of 16 broadcasters from around the South East Asian region came to Kuala Lumpur for a three day Smartphone workshop from March 13-15.
Participants learnt how to shoot video, frame shots and compose pictures, choose good lighting, and use their phone apps to best advantage. They also learnt about social media usage and how to file smartphone reports to many social media platforms.
During a practical exercise, course participants were sent out to gather reports for a news broadcast, using only their smartphones to capture, edit and file their stories.
Aiza, from RTM described the process:
MTRK Uzbekistan Drama Producers told to learn more about China’s rich culture
Drama producers of the National Television and Radio Company (Uzbekistan MTRK) are advised to learn more about the rich culture of the People’s Republic of China.
Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (SAPPRFT) Mr Yan Chengsheng believes with better understanding of the diverse culture of China, it would further strengthen the existing cordial bilateral relationships between the peoples of both countries.
AIBD/NRK/MRTV4 In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme
AIBD and MRTV-4 organised an In-country workshop on Children’s TV
AIBD/NRK/BBS In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme
AIBD and BBS organised an In-country workshop on Children’s TV programmes from 21 – 25 November 2016, in Thimphu, Bhutan, funded by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). With 11 participating producers from Bhutan Broadcasting Corporation Services, this workshop mainly focused on dramatic content in Children’s programmes, the cultural, historical and language representations.
AIBD/NRK/MRTV4 In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme
Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) in collaboration with Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), organised an In-Country Workshop on Children's TV Program from 3 – 7 October 2016. Hosted by MMDC, this workshop covered area such as dramatic content in Children’s programmes, the cultural, historical and language representations.
A communication channel has been established between CCTV & MTRK
Thailand’s ‘Madam Disaster’ champions risk reduction
By Andy McElroy
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2016 – Asia’s most prolific disaster risk reduction journalist has urged media colleagues from 12 other countries to move beyond simply describing events and instead help their audiences better protect themselves from various hazards.