Seminar-Workshop on Press Ethics and Social Responsibility

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Southeast Asian region hosts a mix of government systems, ranging from developing democracies with libertarian laws and constitutional provisions for free expression and press freedom, along with relatively open societies with press laws and regulatory frameworks, and those that remain in restrictive political systems. In all the countries, there are media systems, providing the public with newspapers and news programs in electronic media, as well as online news.

This program aims to provide participants with an understanding of the nature of the news media as distinct from other forms of media, the role of the press in a society, and the opportunities to contribute to better governance and accountability of all sectors for the larger good of society, in whatever political system.

The sessions will involve both lecture and discussion and will present case studies which are drawn from South and Southeast Asian experience.

To ensure Interactive Discussion and Comparative Exchange, participants are asked to bring current issues of different newspapers and magazines from their own countries. Selected Participants should be asked to prepare to describe laws on libel and privacy, if any, in their countries. 

Program Objectives:

•    To enhance the understanding of the participants of role of the press in society and in national development
•    To deepen their understanding of the essentials of journalism and the ethical mandates of the profession that hold in whatever system with special focus on issues raised by libel and privacy
•    To help participants to understand their responsibilities to society and to fellow citizens
•    To help participants understand news values and acquire media literacy in the current environment


Dates/Venue: March 15-17, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand

The program will hold four sessions in two days, with the third day open to just half day for discussion and workshop, or alternatively, to four sessions. Each participant must attend every session and participate in discussions. A participant who fails to attend one session will not receive the certificate of attendance.

Eligibility for Participation:

At least three years of work in a news organization as reporter, writer, editor, news anchor, reader or correspondent. The training will be conducted in English.

Organisers:

The three-day training is being organised by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance, in cooperation with the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR),
which will conduct the training, and the Thai Journalists Association, which will provide resource persons for the seminar.

Logistics:

Participants are required to arrive in Bangkok on March 14 in time for the start of the Seminar on Mar 15. They must arrange to return home on March 18. Arrangements will be announced later.

SEAPA will cover all expenses in connection with the training. Participants, however, will be asked to arrange their flights and buy their tickets, if possible. Reimbursements will be given in Bangkok.