‘Mission and service’ benchmarks in journalism

Extracts from, Malaysiakini’s Eric Loo | Jun 12, 08,

‘Mission and service’ benchmarks in journalism

To help gauge these benchmarks, I list below the common referents of ‘best practices’ that non-Malaysian journalists alluded to in a survey I did in 2006 for a book on ‘best practices of journalism in Asia’.

The referents range from quixotic views of crusading journalism, one that represents the plights of the disenfranchised, to the realities of investigative journalism that exposes public corruption and social injustices. ‘Best practices’ in journalism evolve when certain attributes, albeit non-exhaustive, work together, such as:

• In-depth research and keen eye for statistical analyses.

• Dogged determination for field interviews.

• Penchant for the big picture ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ context of issues.

• Healthy skepticism balanced by optimism with the good in people.

• Understanding from experiencing the life of people in the stories.

• Acknowledged obligations as a citizen first, journalist second.

• Deep conviction that truthful stories can make a difference to society.

• Acute sense of right and wrong.

Widespread graft is hurting Asia’s poorest the most

Widespread graft is hurting Asia’s poorest the most

Melbourne Age * Mark Forbes, Jakarta

THE poor and vulnerable are the biggest victims of a hidden graft
epidemic across the Asia-Pacific, according to a comprehensive United
Nations study.

The report, Tackling Corruption, Transforming Lives, calls for renewed
efforts to combat corruption across the region.

It finds corruption remains common, “ranging from petty corruption to
grand corruption to ‘state capture’ — all of which erode trust in
government and business and discriminate harshly against the poor”.

Nargis Cyclone aftermath – Hope survives

Bridget Welsh in Malaysiakini Jun 12, 08

One story in particular struck home. After stopping at a partially destroyed Hindu temple (Hindus are a minority in the Delta) to make a small donation for its restoration, the Indian community described how the nearby local mosque (Muslims are also a minority in the Delta although larger in number) has provided donations for the community in the first few weeks after the cyclone. Minority groups crossed religious divisions to work together for survival.

There is now a sharing among both communities as donations are distributed to the residents in both villages as aid comes in. Bonds of humanity have crossed different beliefs. Similar ties were forged with the Buddhist monasteries and Christian churches where the ethnic minority Karen live.

Religious organizations have become the lifeblood of civil society in this Delta region, and have served to provide both physical and psychological support after devastating losses. Thanks to vital assistance from outside and sheer fortitude, residents in this area are moving beyond Nargis.

Once upon a time in Burma,..there was a University known as RASU

Once upon a time, Rangoon University was known as RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) among all of us. RASU and RC were the famous short forms for the students from RASU as well as those were from other brother and sister Universities of Rangoon.

Jay Leno & Zarganar (Satire)

Jun 7th, 2008

by Yebaw Day, Burma Digest

STOP PRESS:

Mr. Jay Leno throwing up his hands as he surrenders to the Goverment Agents of ARMYrica

“American Comedian Jay Leno Arrested by FBI and US Army MI & Tortured in Prison !”
_ by Yebaw Day, Burma Digest Reporter via Rocket Express in Washington DC.

Islam in China

 

US backs UN rights expert’s report on Myanmar

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States gave its backing Tuesday to a UN expert’s report raising concerns about Myanmar’s recent referendum and called on the military rulers to release all political prisoners.

US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack also called on the country’s military rulers to uphold their pledge to give international aid access to victims of last month’s ,,, which left 133,000 dead or missing.

“The US shares the conclusions of the UN human rights monitor in his sobering report that the referendum on the regime’s draft constitution was far from credible,” McCormack said in a statement.

Washington also agrees that the continuing detention of political prisoners, including democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, and the condition under which they are held is “appalling,” he said.