HOW far can a newspaper go in presenting its version of the truth? Yes, it has become generally accepted in Malaysia and internationally that newspapers don’t necessarily print “The Truth” and have their biases. After all, a recent Merdeka Centre survey revealed that almost six out of 10 Malaysians don’t trust the traditional media. But […]
ethics
Will a media council work?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
IN the interest of media freedom, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin recently stepped up to the plate in Parliament by calling for the abolishment of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA). Khairy advocated the setting up of a national media council and for the media to be allowed to self-regulate without government interference. The […]
Media vs LGBTs
By Ding Jo-Ann
HOW is our media measuring up to its role? If some newspapers’ treatment of what constitutes news is anything to go by, it is clear that some among the Malaysian media are not only unprofessional. They are also causing harm to vulnerable groups. Without a doubt, there is evidence that some media are targeting the […]
Najib’s call to the media
By Shanon ShahIs Najib serious? (pic courtesy of theSun) “BUT to shape society’s knowledge, so that we are more intellectual, critical, and can think objectively, this is also the role of the press. You can’t report only stories that are sensational, hot or about conflicts only.” These were Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak‘s […]
Understanding ethical journalism
By Shanon ShahBob Woodward (left) and Carl Bernstein (Woodward pic © Kat Walsh; Bernstein pic © Larry D Moore | Wiki Commons) JOSHUA Wong Ngee Choong, 42, quit his job as a producer at ntv7 on principle — he is opposed to self-censorship and political interference in the media. No wonder, then, that one of his favourite […]
Protesting RTM’s censorship
By Ding Jo-Ann
A DEMONSTRATION was held on 19 May 2010 outside RTM headquarters Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur calling for media freedom and to protest the termination of former RTM producer Chou Z Lam. Chou alleges that his documentary over the impact of the Bakun Dam on indigenous people in Sarawak was cancelled because of RTM’s leadership’s fears […]
Asking the right question
By Jacqueline Ann SurinIN mid-March 2010, I participated in Inti College’s Mass Communication Day. During the event, I was asked for the best advice I could give if someone wanted to be a successful journalist. My response was, always ask the question “How do you know?” Indeed, as an editor of a news site that aims to be […]
Kosmo!‘s offence
By Jacqueline Ann SurinTHE media are at it again. Sensationalising the news, reporting inaccurately and unfairly, and worst of all, having no regard for the personal damage a report may have on a party. The latest of irresponsible and unethical reporting was in Kosmo!‘s 27 July 2009 edition that front-paged celebrated filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad who passed away from […]
Al Islam breached code of ethics
By Deborah LohPETALING JAYA, 13 July 2009: Al Islam magazine clearly violated journalistic ethics when it went undercover at a Catholic mass and partook of the holy communion, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) said today. “I don’t question the subject matter of the story, which was about finding out about alleged conversions of Muslims to Christianity. […]
Anwar asks govt officials to maintain professional ethics
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March 2009: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged federal and state government officials to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with their professional code of ethics. They should not allow themselves to be made use of by political parties, he said. When debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2009 at the […]
