 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
 Posted - 19 May 2008 : 17:26:05
|
This from the Point full story:
http://www.thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/2008/5/19/the-dawn-of-a-new-era
snippet.
It is encouraging to hear open dialogue on the topic of co-operation between the national security institutions and the media. The relationship is an essential one if journalists are to be able to carry out their duties to the fullest degree. For some time there has been mistrust of journalists on the part of the security institutions. In a way this is understandable, as by their very nature these institutions tend to be secretive. It is perhaps felt that journalists are seeking to publish information which some people would rather not have published. The reality is however that in an open and free society only the most sensitive information should be kept from the general public. This would include operational information and issues of a similar nature. Other than this most information should be in the public domain so that the population can stay informed.
Could this also be connected?
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805191215.html
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
|
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2008 : 18:28:04
|
toubab(I don't like using this name for real),toubab(white person) sounds isolationist and stereotype. It just doesn't feel comfortable to me.
Anyway, the issues of the press and security service cooperating sounds and looks great on paper. I hope it becomes a reality some day.
I am however very skeptical of this love relationship between these two vital institutions of a free society. I would have been more optimistic if the government was willing to deal more in the open rather than operate under the table. You see when a government is acting corrupt or unfaithful in their daily operations, they cannot like the media.
This relationship can be turned into a dangerous one since the government may want to guarantee the security of journalist but at the same time be in bed with them so their reportings are bias and skewed towards the government. A typical example is the daily observer which embraces and promotes anything from the regime good or bad.
This kind of relationship with the media spells doom on any fair disemination of information to the public.
I hope the journalists are mindful of this kind of patronage. Time will tell, but am not optimistic about it.
Thanks |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
 |
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2008 : 18:58:23
|
sounds isolationist and stereotype. It just doesn't feel comfortable to me.
About the name I have chosen Baldeh(?), without doubt it is well understood to all who visit Bantaba!
Again without doubt,most politicians are in bed with journalists,thats how politics works,without the power of the press and "relationships" that exist therefrom, how is the poor(Oh really ?) politician able to tell the people of his plans? and get elected on those promises ,weather he carries out those policies once in power is another question!
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 19 May 2008 19:03:12 |
|
|
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2008 : 03:53:09
|
You are right, if the purpose of the name is to associate it with an image then power to you.
Yes, bad journalists are worst than politicians. Remember those embedded with the Bush administration on the eve of the Iraq war? These people who are in control of the media especially on television are much more dangerous.
James Fonder the civil rights activist in the U.S once told Bill O'Reilly that he was more dangerous since he was on television. The evil always find the most influential to influence society. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2008 : 12:31:07
|
I am content with my "image" thanks,the power of journalism to influence events is very often underestimated ,as you yourself have observed,I am not a journalist,but the feelings that are created by journalists upon the people are very powerful,Ah... power again thats the real reason that politicians are frightened of journalists.!
(Time to go to bed and snuggle up with a good journalist! ,but cannot take the place of a woman!  )
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 20 May 2008 12:37:12 |
|
|
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2008 : 18:24:59
|
You are right my friend. I guess I can be called a journalist by practice simply because I am associated with an editorial team of an online newspaper or blog if you may. However, I have long been interested in mass communication. This interest date back to high school when I was reporter which I enjoyed especially during the golf War in 1991. I also took some college course work to understand the effect of mass communication. Thus my interest in this field.
Having said that though, I have always been wary of negative influence by journalists and to what length some are willing to go to distort the truth for selfish gains. I used to say to my friends, some journalist are like cats. They are so inquisitive that you give them a yard, they go a mile.
I also believe that journalism comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility that is owed to society. Historically, many tribal wars are fueled by bias journalism. A bright example is the so called BBC who give forum to rabel leaders like Charles Taylor, Johnson, Foday Sonko of Siera Leone and numerous others who butcher their people for power greed and yet they are treated like noble people in quarters like the BBC.
The voice of America Radio used to do the same and still does. This is where we get into hypocracy by many media outlets in the West and around the world.
I seems to be expanding the topic here, but I hope you see the interconnection. The bottom line is that Journalist can have a significant influence good or bad on society.
Thanks for reading
|
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2008 : 18:54:46
|
Very interesting I applaud your faith in journalistic ethics,(bit of a mouthfull but states what I mean!)BUT you seem to forget that journalists are paid by newspapers that they write for,SO you must gear your reports and pieces in accordance with the general feeling of the newspaper you are writing fo (left wing right wing, socialist etc.)otherwise you will not be writing for that paper again if your work contravenes these general feelings.The BBC although independant is "pushed gently" to reflect the views of the current administration,(who I am sure totally abhore
" rabel leaders like Charles Taylor, Johnson, Foday Sonko of Siera Leone and numerous others who butcher their people for power greed and yet they are treated like noble people in quarters like the BBC."
The BBC would also disagree with what you say I am sure.
I am trying to say that you cannot express your own feelings in the way that you might perhaps wish,due the constrains that are put upon you to make your living in journalism.
|
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 21 May 2008 19:07:15 |
|
|
|
dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2008 : 05:03:10
|
True and to the point. While anyone strive to make their living off journalism, the national security of the state and the welfair of the people should never be compromised.
This is where every one has a moral responsibility to make sure they act in a responsible way. This I believe is lacking in many journalistic quarters.
I definitely agree with you that the messenger reflects the message and the agenda of the newspaper or network. However, no one should compromise their ethics for their bosses who can turn around and ditch them anytime.
There is certainly a lot of moral bankruptcy in many professions. The BBC will certainly disagree which they are entitled to anyway.
Peace |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
|
|
|
toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2008 : 11:04:34
|
| I am not sufficiently up in ethics to carry on further with this topic,I am not a journalist and can speak with no authority other than that of "a reasonable person" a phrase that is often used to describe Mr Average,I have enjoyed this topic and basically we are thinking along the same lines,I hope that your strongly held views on "moral responsibility" can be maintained and will never be overtaken by your need to be employeed ,we are all small pawns in a much bigger game and sometimes it may be necessary to bend with the wind for self preservation. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
