05 September 2007
Press Attaché, Former Correspondent Discusses Independent Media
USINFO Webchat transcript, September 5
Elizabeth Colton, a U.S. Embassy press attaché, and a former international correspondent and professor of mass communications discussed in a USINFO webchat the relationship between government and the media and good journalistic practices.
Following is the transcript:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
Emmy Award-winning journalist Elizabeth O. Colton discusses independent and responsible media
Guest: Elizabeth Colton
Date: September 5, 2007
Time: 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT)
Elizabeth Colton: Welcome to our webchat! You are invited to send in your questions any time before or during the live webchat on September 5th. I look forward to our discussion on independent and responsible media and the relationship between media and government in promoting good journalistic practices. Many thanks.
Moderator: Participants, if you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please select the "comment" option and we will post your introduction. However, there is no obligation to do so.
Question [Khawaza Main Uddin from Bangladesh]: Is journalism more challenging in developing societies like the one in Bangladesh? What do you think of media professionals' responsibility in dealing with a non-elected regime or while reporting on repressive measures by authorities? Could you draw any dividing line (or point of departure) between assertion of media's independence and so-called responsible journalism? What is your account of the role of Bangladesh media in the recent unrest in the country? As a former journalist, what kind sympathy, or what is called empathy, you will have for the Bangladeshi journalists who were harassed and beaten by security personnel recently? Could you tell us some strategies to cope with atmosphere which is not congenial for fair and free journalism? Will/should the United States support repression on journalists in Bangladesh only to support an interim administration? Could you give an example of issue on which we in Bangladesh can report for promoting democracy and civil rights?
Answer [Elizabeth Colton]: Thank you, Khawaza, for your many questions. Because I have only one hour, I'm going to respond to your first one. Journalism is challenging in all societies, in different ways in different countries. What is especially important in developing countries, where there might not be as long a tradition of journalism, is to encourage professionalism among new journalists -- to offer training in best practices of fair and accurate and balanced reporting at the beginning and to encourage these traits in all the media.
Q [Jalloh Amadu Fula2]: The journalists in Africa are not free, what can you we do to obtain this independence?
A: Hello Jalloh, All journalists all over the world must every day work to be independent and fair. It is a lifetime struggle for all journalists, on all continents. Editors and reporters alike, as well as media organization owners, need to encourage independence and responsibility for all their journalists. Independence in reporting means responsibility, to give all sides fairly and without bias in reporting.
Q [Naimat Ullah Khan - LC Karachi]: Dear Elizabeth, don’t you think it is mandatory to control media in general & specially in special circumstances like war against terrorism. How much state could go for it? Is there any legal framework applied internationally?
A: Hello Naimat, As an American who believes in our own First Amendment to our Constitution -- that there shall be no law abridging (or limiting or preventing) freedom of the press, I do not believe there should be state control of the news media. At the same time, journalists must work to show they are responsible -- meaning that they report fairly and accurately all sides of issues. Our own First Amendment protects the freedom of the press, even though there are many working at all times to limit it.
Q [Ernest]: I am Jerome Dalieh. A Liberian journalist based in Monrovia.
Regarding relationship between a government and the media, most often many think such relationships should be based on friendliness, as such I do often hear people using phrase such as "media friendly". In view of this, I am of the position that the relationship between a government and the media must be based on first the recognition of each's responsibility and obligation and an absolute adherence on the part of the media and government to their respective responsibility and obligations i.e. access to public information must be granted unhindered to the media by the government and that government must accept and act accordingly in viewing the media as institutions providing checks on it (government) for the general welfare of the society. The media must maintain a critical stance of the government at all times; a media with a less critical stance run the risk of being used as a PR or propaganda medium, thereby undermining its responsibility and obligation of serving as a check on the government.
Q [Jaffar Mjasiri – TANZANIA]: 1. National interest is today not the issue of developing countries even the developed countries are promoting this, when do you envisage the end of these threats that we can return to the old good days to enjoy absolute Media freedom?
2. This symbiotic relationship is between the two adversaries but one has the power to silence the other, so what can be done to regulate the state behaviour to be of partnership rather than oppressed and oppressor?
3. Most often the language used in the legislations and media laws are ambiguous and they tend to favour the establishment and oppress the media so there is no way except for the media to accept a marriage of convenience otherwise what’s your approach to this situation especially in developing countries where media is so much dependent on adverts revenue.
4. What is this freedom like when it is preached and not practised, how can the media restore this freedom when its supporters lack sufficient knowledge on the freedom of expression?
5. Look at this issue of thick constitutions written in strange language that cannot be understood by the people, even the elites have problems in comprehending it, do you think this deliberate intention of creating a symbiotic relationship can be realised under these conditions?
6. How can we contain the issue of some government hijacking freedom of expression in the name of terrorism to cover up their corrupt intentions and acts, is it not time for the western world to review the parameters used to define these alleged threats which cover ill corrupt intentions?
7. While the issue of freedom of expression is openly tabled in the western world, in third world it remains to be the secret of the clique of people who fear to be exposed of corruption, should we have an international declaration on this issue, how can we phrase this?
A: Hu jambo Mjasiri, Sorry but, as there is limited time in this webchat, I can only address what I see as the essence of all your questions. The role of the journalist, the news media, is to examine and to publicize "the truth" of all that is of public interest. Thus, the journalist's job is very difficult because it often means pushing behind legislation, looking deeper in to issues, to try to learn what is really going on that is of concern to the public. All along the way there are obstacles. There are international declarations supporting freedom of the press, and the journalists in each country must responsibly push the limits in his/her own country. Asante sana.
Moderator: We kindly ask that you send in one question at a time. Thank you!
Q [Barbara - B. Wither from Germany]: Do you feel that the practice of embedding journalists in combat situations leads to more accurate reporting or an almost 'Stockholm syndrome' whereby the journalist empathizes so closely with the unit reported on that objectivity is lost? I am not sure if you are familiar with the film, 'Weapons of Mass Deception', but this film raises this and many other serious points which advocates that such a practice is serious flawed. What is your opinion?
A: Thanks, Barbara, for your question. There are various viewpoints on "embedding" journalists in combat situations. As a former journalist, I myself have covered wars -- both on my own and in somewhat "embedded" situations. And now as a press attaché, I often assist journalists in getting "embedded" with military. From my own experience, I believe that it is important to cover from all sides -- that the "embedding" offers a unique view that can be quite valuable in presenting to readers and viewers. At the same time, I believe it is important for reporters to cover as broadly and widely as possible in any situation -- war and peace, and their news organizations should present as wide and deep a view as possible.
Q [Ernest]: My name is Ernest Kiazolu and I am from Liberia, West Africa. My question is how possible is it for the government and the media to be good bed fellows without compromising good journalistic practices such as objectivity, balanced and truth?
A: Hello Ernest, Actually, a journalist should strive to develop solid sources among all their areas of coverage. A good journalist and a good press attaché recognizes each other's role and responsibility. As one who has worked both as a journalist and now as a government press attaché, I believe that it is an important relationship but one in which each must recognize the other's role. In a free society, there are many roles -- the journalist, the diplomat, the military, the government, the private business people, the civil society leaders, etc, and each should be honest and fair and accurate. As a press attaché, I always seek to be honest, to be responsive and fair in helping journalists understand the background of their stories on diplomacy and government issues, and at the same time I expect the journalists to respect my position when I cannot give them confirmation or details on a particular issue at a particular time. I think then that journalists know that I will help whenever I can. In between working as a journalist and now serving as a diplomat, I was also a professor of journalism and used to design training courses for both sides -- journalist and diplomat (or another government/military official) to help them learn how they can best work together as part of a free society.
Q [Georgia Duerst-Lahti]: Media coverage often moves faster than formal governmental communication. Especially when broadcast coverage is ahead of formal action (e.g., Katrina), the media's message shapes policy. It also often influences public opinion, which in turn influence policy (e.g. Iraq War support). Given these circumstances, what does it mean to be responsible? What's a good journalist to do?
A: Thank you, Georgia, for your very important question. The speed of our world, with the internet and all now, unfortunately pushes the news business towards irresponsible reporting at times. A good journalist, however, will always check and re-check his story, seek out confirmation with a number of sources before running with it. Sometimes, of course, this might mean that the story does not go out until days, sometimes weeks or months while the good reporter is checking and investigating for full corroboration. This may seem frustrating to the reporter and his/her news organization, but in the end a fully-sourced, accurate story will show readers/viewers that this news org is responsible, thus credible and the one to be watched/read/listened to in future. Reporters should not just run with a piece of gossip or one person's opinions -- they must develop expertise in checking and persistence and patience. It's worth it in the end. Readers and viewers and listeners will trust you as a reporter and your news organization if your stories are clearly well and fairly researched.
Q [Kyra Hamann]: How can a communication´s strategy contribute to the power consolidation of politic men and women?
How a communication´s strategies could contribute to enforce the image of political institutions?
A: Hello Kyra, In today's world many institutions, including governments and businesses, develop communication strategies for presenting and building their image and plans. Such strategies are in themselves a recognition of the critical importance of communication and the media.
Q [Idika]: One of the biggest challenge we have here in Nigeria is journalists (though a few of them) believing that they should get financial rewards (in form of cash stuffed inside a brown envelope) before they can carry news stories. You notice a situation where journalists hang around waiting to receive brown envelopes after a press briefing or news conference. We know this is WRONG but this is a practice that is very common among these journalists. These journalists complain that they have not received salaries from their Media Houses for upward of three months and that was the only way they can continue to operate. How can I deal with this kind of situation. Media outreach happens to be a major function in my day-to-day functions. – Idika
A: Hello Idika, This is a big challenge in many parts of the world -- the low pay for journalists and then their turning to financial rewards from sources. Journalists' unions are one way of pushing media owners to pay their staff better. At the same time, reporters should have the courage to say no to offers of financial incentives from other sources. They need to fight this from both directions. Once a large group of journalists begin to say no to outside payments, they can then have more credibility to push for better pay.
Q [andry]: Hello, my name is Andry RAKOTONIAINA ANDRIATAHIANA and I am from Madagascar. Most of the medias in my country deal with global matters. In your opinion, is it good to have medias which only deal with specific matters such as economy, legal issues, ...
A: Hello Andry, You have asked a very important question. In many countries, unfortunately, reporters are not encouraged to cover local social, economic, environmental issues for many reasons. For one, it takes more time and often local populations will resist coverage of these kinds of issues. Also, often reporters have not had training in covering such issues. And, also, the particular population of readers/viewers/listeners become accustomed to getting only global and/or political news and don't demand local coverage of critical social, economic issues. Thus, it's important for training in such coverage to be provided for reporters. And, at the same time, editors/TV producers need to take the lead in printing/broadcasting such stories. The best way to begin solving many local problems -- social and economic and environmental -- is to get widespread and continuing coverage of these issues. Then people begin to confront these issues as civil society.
Q [cario irc – Cairo]: Dear prof. Elizabeth O. Colton. Good morning and greetings from Egypt the land of civilization. Today, democracy is challenged on all sides. It is the obligation of all those who are interested in democracy to do all in the power to strengthen it. How media contribute in Public Education for Democracy?
ALI EID MA IN DEVLOPMENT STUDIES
A: Hello Ali, As I just wrote in another response, I believe that the media play a leading and vital role in educating the public for democracy and development and resolving issues of public concern. That is why a free media -- fair and responsible -- are critical for inspiring the public to confront issues of concern to all.
Q [Emak]: When the press is free to denounce corruption cases and other cases of embazlements [embezzlements] but the justice system is inactive. How in the world can democracy become healthy. This is the case in my country the DR Congo.
A: Hello Emak, The media can promote an independent judicial system by regular and fair coverage of the justice issues of concern. It does not happen overnight. Sometimes it takes years, but the media/press are vital to changing and improving systems because citizens learn about "the truth" of critical issues of public concern. In many countries, the news media have been the key instrument for promoting and pushing for independent judicial system. It can work.
Q [adolatkal]: USA having so many immigrants imported with them multiculturalism/multilinguism. Newly emerged evidences as Spanglish and etc. being only local even being called somewhat as Le lengua franca are discussed so widely on your webchats. Why RELO specialists never organize something serious related to ESP issues. Could these subcontinental American linguistic/intercultural products be exported to the countries of their origin? An emeritus MBA professor.
A: Hello Adolatkal, Please pass these good suggestions to your local RELO. I am sure they would be very interested and eager to respond. Many thanks.
Q [Ernest – Elizabeth]: I am George Bardue, a Liberian journalist based in Monrovia
Q [Mushtaque2]: How can the media be 'independent' and 'responsible' at the same time? Is it possible?
A: Hello Mushtaque, From my viewpoint and experience, I believe that a truly independent media is inherently responsible and vice versa. Independence does not mean attacking per se, but independence means that the press/media has no financial or ideological obligations except to try to print/broadcast "the truth" about everything that is of "public concern". Thus, the independent media reports fairly and accurately and with balance on all such issues of public concern. Independence should bear with it responsibility. They go together in the ideal of a free and fair media.
Q [Mushtaque2 – Liz]: Can you name two or three big challenges faced by the media today in your country?
A: Greetings again, Mushtaque, thanks for this follow-up question. In my country there are a number of challenges facing the media today. A key one is to strive for more independence -- from all interests -- and thus more responsibility. Another is one we've already discussed for the world, and that is not to succumb to the pressure to get any story out without checking and taking time to be certain it's fair and accurate. This challenge faces American journalism just as much as anywhere else in the world. Another challenge facing the media is to continue to promote high professional standards of journalism -- training both in schools and on the job. As elsewhere in the world, many reporters are given great responsibility before they might have learned professional responsibilities of fairness, accuracy, balance, concern for seeking "the truth" of all that is of public interest. Thus, it's the responsibility of experienced professionals to pass on these standards or ethics of journalism to all entering the field.
Q [Naimat Ullah Khan - LC Karachi]: Is Pakistani media become responsible? Did it plays a sensible role on international & bilateral issues? As a press attaché, what are your experiences?
A: Hello Naimat, First I want to say that I am a great admirer of the Pakistani news media. I read at least 9 English newspapers every day and get translations of many Urdu papers and watch TV and listen to the radio. In fact, I really enjoy all the press/media in Pakistan and applaud all for the great strides made every day towards more independent and responsible media. I like working with the journalists in Pakistan and also am working to encourage more media training for the fast growing field of print and broadcast journalism.
Q [American Corner Skopje2]: It is often assumed that the government financed media are not independent and produce less quality than the private media. Since there are government changes all the time, why is it assumed that the private media is more critical than the state-owned ones when it is a known fact that private media are governed by money from businessmen that do not really care about democracy and culture and they tend to aim at populism, sensationalism and scandals, rather than taking care for the true values of society. V. Pemova Macedonian Radio, Third Channel
A: Hello Pemova, This raises the issue of real independence in the media. As you point out, private media can also face issues of control and lack of independence. That's why it's the role of the individual journalists to push for more independence and responsibility in whatever news organization he/she might work. Each should be working to promote what's important for the public interest, whatever that might be, in whatever field.
This webchat has been really interesting and challenging for me. I am very appreciative of all your questions. They reflect worldwide concern about these important issues. I hope that in a small way I've been able to encourage many of you working to develop independent and responsible media in your own countries. As I've said, I do believe that independence and responsibility do go together. I also believe that independent and responsible journalists need to work with governments as with all institutions in society to cover accurately and fairly all the issues of public interest.
Thank you all again, and all best wishes, Liz Colton.
Moderator: We wish to thank Elizabeth O. Colton for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events and a transcript of today’s discussion (posted within one business day).
(Guests are chosen for their expertise. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State.)
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
