The media rising above divides

Inversely, the nature of their job also creates responsibility.

Journalists by their very definition are connected intimately with various processes and tasks -- gathering and transmission of news, business management of journals or advertising. All these factors assume greater importance given the emergence of the electronic media and the concept of 'hard news' as opposed to news value with marginal significance.

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The situation has become that much more complex given the advent of radio and television live reporting, which brings news bulletins to the public with speed that the press cannot hope to match. To hold their audience, the newspapers are then forced to provide increasing quantities of interpretive material -- articles on the background of the news, personality sketches and columns of timely comment by writers skilled in presenting opinion in readable form. News magazines resort to a similar pattern where much of their reporting is blended news with editorial comment.

Mass circulation magazines similarly try to hold on to public attention by devoting space to topics that would have the impact of novelty and could provoke discussion.

Photo journalism on the other hand devotes emphasis on capturing original facet of an issue or story and creating through the photograph specific interest for the viewer. From that point of view, it cannot only supplement or add texture to a news item but also enhance the focus of the subject matter.

It is this sensitivity that makes journalism so interesting.

Unfortunately however, a trend has crept into journalism where objectivity is sometimes sacrificed at the altar of previous opinions. Bias then determines the nature of the reporting and also analytical opinions. Such a situation may arise out of political persuasion, improperly researched background or even inability to see the broader picture.

This approach, at the end of the day can become self-defeating. Journalists, in such a situation might then be perceived as not only being sympathetic towards one viewpoint but also restricted in their ability to view both sides of the picture. This in turn affects public perception of both the journalist as well as the media he is involved with.

In the developing world journalists face many difficulties. They are not always free to express their opinion. Neither are the publications or media, they are involved in, always resource rich. Consequently, they have to heed state (government in power) policy dictates to continue to receive public affairs advertisements. Security interests as defined by various government agencies also influence reporting of incidents or activities. This latter factor specially affects transparency.

Unfortunately, these elements juxtapose together to erode objectivity.

On the other hand, in the name of freedom of expression, views are sometimes expressed which, to say the least, can be very irresponsible. In the South Asian region, lack of suitable implementation of the law of torts and defamation have only compounded this problem.

Nevertheless, since the first newspaper appeared in China during the T'ang dynasty in the seventh century, publications through the ages have tended to reflect certain attitudes towards evolving issues. This has been consistent in France, the UK, USA and in several countries of South Asia. Sometimes, censorship, official or voluntary, during times of emergency, have led to restraint but at other times, the media have taken sides instinctively. This has eventually led to polarisations and divisions.

In Bangladesh, as in the rest of South Asia, political considerations sometimes lead to differences in reporting of events. Unfortunately, the printed media, particularly those with relatively small circulations and reliant on government advertisements, shy away from being critical of governance failures. On the other hand, newspapers, recognised as being associated with the opposition political parties, only focus on criticism and failures of government policies. In the process, objective appraisal sometimes suffer in reporting by both sides -- in their editorials as well as in their op-ed pieces.

This trend is creating difficulties.

It is also leading to unfortunate partisanships and 'divides.'

I believe that time has come for journalists and editorial analysts to pro-actively deal with the situation. They are the sentinels of democracy, good governance and upholders of human rights. They need to consequently transcend mental barriers and play a more constructive role. This is the only way to improve conditions in poverty-stricken South Asia.

It takes courage to stand up and oppose breach of constitutionally approved fundamental freedoms. It requires greater mental strength to take note of such non-compliance, specially, if such act is associated with the political opinion the newspaper tends to support. Impartial evaluation and sincere appraisal can be the building blocks for fostering confidence in the body-politic of the nation.

We need to remember that each country of South Asia is plagued with the scourge of under-development, illiteracy, poor healthcare and gender inequality. Added to this is the question of absence of resources required to ensure clean drinking water, preservation of the environment, flora and fauna and proper tackling of communicable diseases like AIDS or tuberculosis.

Journalists have to rise over their immediate interests. They have to look beyond their narrow confines. Globalisation has transcended borders and over time nation states are beginning to think in terms of a region. Near at hand we have seen how the ASEAN has gradually evolved into one expanding entity, setting aside geographical contentious political issues for a regional approach.

It is here that journalists need to step in. In South Asia, divergence with regard to national security perceptions has led to continued wastage of scarce resources in funding defensive arrangements. Internal civil strifes and soft insurgencies have also persisted and are limiting optimum economic development throughout the region. Mutual suspicions and stated positions in domestic politics have similarly led to inflexibility in options. Economic progress and good governance have been thwarted.

Journalists (both in the print and the electronic media) have a serious responsibility to take that extra step. They have to assist in the process that can lead to understanding among different political parties. They also have to be torch bearers in the effort to end corruption and the nexus that exists between criminals and politicians on the one hand and law and order enforcement officials on the other.

In Bangladesh, journalists of all descriptions, both in rural or urban areas, in small towns or mega cities, have demonstrated their willingness to take on difficult problems and expose shortcomings in every Administration. This has included exposing criminal activities associated with drug peddling and smuggling of contraband items including arms. This has resulted in many journalists making the ultimate sacrifice.

It is my belief that their exemplary approach has not been in vain.

The SAARC Summit scheduled to have been held in Dhaka has been postponed till all members can agree on new dates. This sudden postponement has generated tension and recriminations. However, this postponement, as I have written earlier, does not mean the end of the SAARC process. I believe, this has only underlined the need for Member States to consider how best stability can be encouraged within a region which faces unique challenges.

South Asian journalists have a crucial task ahead of them in this context. They have to rise over their national limitations and contribute jointly through institutionalised cooperation towards all countries in this region being able to meet the Millennium Development Goals. They have to encourage their respective countries to meet the challenges of growth, job creation, trade and foreign direct investment on one hand and service deliveries to poor communities on the other.

This will require broad partnership involving the public and private sectors and also the civil society. Journalists have to be the catalysts to move the region forward through the principle of objective journalism.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador -- any response to mzamir@dhaka.net.