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.
Transmedia Programming
Understanding the behaviors and trends of audience media consumption and expanding core story over timelines, territories and platforms are two important components of a successful transmedia programming that can attract and excite audiences.
Workshop on Election Coverage
The AIBD/TVRI In-country Workshop on Election Coverage is held in Manado, Indonesia from 25 - 27 May 2013, prior to the Asia Media Summit. The workshop focuses on how to have smart election programming based on media's role in democracy with high quality coverage – reflecting accuracy, fairness and balance.
AIBD/NBT In-country workshop on Creating Awareness on Green Living
AIBD together with the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) oganised an in-country workshop on Creating Awareness on Green Living from 29 April to 02 May 2013 to train producers to deliver more quality content programming to create awareness on environmental degradation and the impact of climate change to communities through family-oriented programmes.
AIBD/NRK/VTV In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme
From 18 to 22 March 2013, AIBD organised an in-country workshop on Children's TV Programme hosted by Vietnam Television (VTV) in Hanoi. This activity aimed at providing the participants an introduction to children's perception of media, as well as an introduction of working methods to make them excellent media-workers with and for children.
AIBD/NRK/NBT In-Country Workshop on Children’s TV Programme
From 4 to 8 March 2013, AIBD organised a workshop on Children's TV Programme for NBT in Bangkok. 19 participants from various regional stations in Thailand were split into three groups with the task of drafting three programmes for children: drama, documentaries and game shows.
ITU-ABU-AIBD Regional Workshop on Digital Broadcasting Implementation
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) jointly organized two day regional workshop on “Digital Broadcasting Implementation” On 4-5 March 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Maldives engages Media for HCFC phase-out
The government of the Maldives plans to ban the import of HCFC-based equipment from 1 July 2014. Minister of State for Environment and Energy, Mr. Abdul Matheen Mohamed, announced this at the closing ceremony of a national media training workshop on ozone and climate held in Maldivian capital Malé on 28 February 2013.
Broadcasters Study Ozone and Climate Issues
A UNEP-AIBD workshop trains TV producers from the Asia-Pacific to spread awareness about ozone depletion and climate change. “Why don’t the greenhouse gases escape through the hole in the ozone layer?” asks an average TV viewer in a cartoon that first appeared in a US newspaper a few years ago. That question illustrates the confusion in the minds of many non-specialists across the world.