SPEAKERS at a seminar said that the mainstream media in the country are failing to play their part due to self-censorship and partisan role of vast majority media managers. They expressed concern saying that the role of mass media is very crucial for holding free and fair elections. The partisan engagement of the newsmen could devoid of broader public interests. The political affiliation of newsmen is bound to bring a negative result for all concerned in the days to come, they opined.
They made the observations at a seminar held in the city on Saturday. They further said self-censorship has already weakened the journalists that influenced by fear or favour. Journalists taking part in the seminar in a self-criticizing manner said that they are also responsible for today’s situation. Some senior journalists have become politically loyal allegedly in exchange of facilities and favour.
We know the role of media is essential for democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without a free media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make cautious choices.
Furthermore, media acts as a crucial watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process. Indeed, a democratic election with no media freedom, or stifled media freedom, would be a contradiction.
In order to fulfil the roles, the media needs to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage. In that case, the regulatory frameworks can help ensure high standards. Laws and regulation should guarantee fundamental freedoms essential to democracy, including freedom of information and expression, as well as participation.
We hope the media of the country would be able to play a free role without any obstacles. The newsmen will also follow the Codes of Media and ensure equal treatment to all and should remain neutral and professional for the preservation their own rights and dignity.
They made the observations at a seminar held in the city on Saturday. They further said self-censorship has already weakened the journalists that influenced by fear or favour. Journalists taking part in the seminar in a self-criticizing manner said that they are also responsible for today’s situation. Some senior journalists have become politically loyal allegedly in exchange of facilities and favour.
We know the role of media is essential for democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without a free media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make cautious choices.
Furthermore, media acts as a crucial watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process. Indeed, a democratic election with no media freedom, or stifled media freedom, would be a contradiction.
In order to fulfil the roles, the media needs to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage. In that case, the regulatory frameworks can help ensure high standards. Laws and regulation should guarantee fundamental freedoms essential to democracy, including freedom of information and expression, as well as participation.
We hope the media of the country would be able to play a free role without any obstacles. The newsmen will also follow the Codes of Media and ensure equal treatment to all and should remain neutral and professional for the preservation their own rights and dignity.
