READERS WILL MOST LIKELY SHIFT TO INTERNET - MINISTER

PORT DICKSON (Malaysia), Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Readers will most likely shift
to the Internet for news, if the traditional media continue with their old style
of presenting news based on what the editors feel that people should read or use
the media as a propaganda tool.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said
this was because the Internet allowed the people to read what they wanted to
read.

"The Internet has created a new phenomenon of change all over the world," he
said at the opening the International Conference on Free and Responsible
Journalism, here, Thursday.

The text of his speech was read by the ministry's deputy secretary-general
(Information), Azmi Ali.

Rais, however, said the role of responsible journalism was still relevant to
the development of a nation.


"Journalists need to be free and self-governing to fulfil their duty of
providing information to the people with a simple guideline, such as their first
obligation is to truth, their loyalty is to the citizens, the essence is
discipline of verification, and maintaining independence from those they cover."

"Journalists face daily risks posed by tight media laws and the threats
against them include non-renewal of the printing licence for their publication,
lawsuits, jail or fine, and harassment in the form of newsroom interference by
the government."

He said in countries without freedom of the press, the majority of people
who reported the news might not follow the subscribed standard of journalism.

"Non-free media are often prohibited from criticising the government and in
many cases are required to carry propaganda as if it were news. Various
other forms of censorship may restrict reporting on issues the government deems
sensitive," he added.

Rais said in view of all these issues, challenges and guidelines, the
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) founded in 1909 in the United States
was dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating
high standards of ethical behaviour.

He said the SPJ came up with a code of ethics to be voluntarily embraced by
thousands of journalists, regardless of place or platform, and was widely used
in the newsrooms and classrooms as a guide for ethical behaviour.

Some 60 participants from Malaysia and countries of the South, namely
Azerbaijan, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Vietnam
are attending the two-day conference.

Port Dickson or PD to locals is a beach and holiday destination situated
about 32 km from Seremban and 90 km from Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the
state of Negeri Sembilan in Peninsular Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA



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