In the early `90s, we were convinced the internet would `revolutionise' journalism practices, that readers would flock to online news sites and stop buying newspapers.  Today, however, the smell and feel of newsprint is as pervasive today as it was in 1991 when the `world wide web' opened up a whole new world of information to researchers, academics and journalists.

azlanThe internet has indeed been a gift.  We are freer to engage, confront and challenge anyone and any establishment anytime from anywhere.  But, I have yet to see our mainstream media exploiting the internet to produce innovative accountability journalism.  Yes, groundbreaking journalism such as exposing poor governance, social injustices, economic disparities and the many layers of corruption in our communities. 

Instead, each time I come home, I read the usual serve of social trivia and platitudes in our papers that neither stretches the mind nor examines the conventional wisdom.  I raised this issue, two weeks ago, with 20 journalists participating in the International Journalism Fellowship organised by the Malaysian Press Institute. The journalists came from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. 

In talking about the state of journalism in their respective countries, besides the Philippines and Indonesia, I got the impression that it was less about the journalists' lack of professional conviction than their editors' lack of leadership and the news organisation's tether to political patronage that frame the type of journalism we see today. 

Reminder of values and principles

During the one-week training workshop, the IJF fellows took time to reflect on the issues they faced daily in the newsroom. They thought that drafting a resolution would be a good way to remind them of the values and principles they once held, but seemed to have overlooked in the ‘craziness’ of their work.  

NONEI reproduce their resolutions below to show that if journalists from developing countries are free to follow their ideals, and take time to reflect on their practice, we may see real improvements in investigative journalism in our region.
                                                
Written on November 15, 2010 by journalists from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Mongolia and Uzbekistan attending the International Journalism Fellowship 2010 programme, conducted by the Malaysian Press Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

Preamble:

As journalists actively participating in the IJF 2010 programme, and fully aware of our responsibilities to the public in our respective countries, we hereby resolve to carry out our daily work according to the principles and values outlined below. These are written to remind us of the standards of reporting that our communities, peers and authorities hold us to.  

In declaring our commitment to honest, fair and responsible conduct in the gathering, transmitting and disseminating of news, we resolve to:

  1. Pursue meaningful stories beyond the mundane, sensational and trivial without regard for ratings or revenue.
  2. Push for greater freedom of the press in our respective country and access to information by overcoming bureaucratic red tape, and practise investigative journalism without fear of threats.
  3. Practise honest and corruption-free journalism by resisting the temptation to accept gifts, junkets or money to write public relations-oriented stories for any parties that mislead the public.
  4. Pursue fair, accurate and truthful stories that improve society’s lot, and which ensure the safety and security of our sources and informants. 
  5. Strive to develop best practices in reporting through compelling and well-researched stories that inspire and educate the public.
  6. Bring the focus of our stories back on the people who are directly affected by issues so that their voices will be heard.
  7. Unite as a network of journalists sharing a common objective of delivering stories that readers want and need to know.
  8. Open accessible channels for the public to provide feedback and criticisms to our stories, and thus, to improve our standards of reporting.
  9. Maintain our objectivity in reporting while recognising the need to empathise with the plights of the people.
  10. Preserve our primary role as a critical monitor of governments, civil societies, corporate and public sectors, and those whose actions, statements and policies affect the life of the common people.
  11. Encourage tolerance, respect and sensitivity towards peoples of all religions, beliefs, race, culture and traditions.
  12. Practise conscientious photojournalism with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, and which captures the joys and plights of society.

As participants of the IJF 2010, we will strive to hold ourselves to the above resolutions that represent our professional values.


DR ERIC LOO left Malaysia for Australia in 1986 to work with the print media. He currently lectures at University of Wollongong, Australia, and also mentors international journalism students via UPIU, run by United Press International. He is founding editor of Asia Pacific Media Educator. His recent books are 'Best Practices of Journalism in Asia' (2009); and 'Journalism in Good Faith: Issues and Practices in Religion Reporting' (co-authored with Mustafa K Anuar, 2009).  Email: eloo@uow.edu.au