Media talk: Speakers for freedom of expression, responsible journalism 06 June 2014 ISLAMABAD: Parliamentarians and media practitioners were unanimous on Thursday in emphasising the need for freedom of expression and responsible journalism. “The media should be responsible with its right to have freedom of expression”, they said while speaking at a discussion on “Threats to Freedom of Expression and Democracy” at the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) office. They expressed concern at the prevailing crisis and future of freedom of press and journalists. PPP Senator Taj Haider said that progressive parties should come forward to rescue working journalists who are the victims in the current situation. “We condemn the interference of the establishment in this episode.” PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah said almost all major state institutions have exercised political power at some point. She highlighted the role of press councils in other countries in monitoring the media. SAFMA Secretary-General Imtiaz Alam said freedom of the press has always been under fire from intolerance, extremist narratives and authoritarian powers. “We must admit that all the media bodies have failed to play their role in the current crisis,” he said curtly. Anchor Ejaz Haider said the discussion should be confined to the role of media and its responsibility in the aftermath of the crisis. “We must understand that the media is never apolitical in any part of the world. The issue is how to regulate it,” he said, adding that internationally, there is a ‘firewall’ between news and opinion to differentiate between the two. He suggested a regulatory mechanism so that rivalries do not spill beyond marked lines. The Express Tribune Executive Editor M Ziauddin commented that if the media demanded freedom it must also practise it responsibly. He lamented that the broadcast media lacked training and gatekeepers present in the print media. While summing up the debate, the veteran journalist suggested that Pemra A should appoint a board of governors with the help of parliament to regulate media. In the end, speakers voiced their resolve to uphold freedom of expression. Thanks The Express Tribune
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:15:55 +0000
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