From the Asia Media Forum this week
'Tis supposed to be the season to be jolly. Sadly, not for members of the media as news of curtailment of press freedom continue to be reported in different parts of the region. In Thailand, online censorship has come back with a vengeance with the blocking of more sites and web pages deemed to have violated the country's lese majeste laws. In Nepal, newspapers came out with blank editorials in protest of an attack on Himal Media. On a more positive note, we take a look at how the 'Jakarta Globe', which hit the newsstands in November, is faring against more established 'rivals'. Have a happy holiday season everyone!
‘Jakarta Globe’ Stirs up English Media Scene
It's been just over a month since the English-language daily 'Jakarta Globe' hit Indonesian newsstands, but it has already stirred up a good amount of dust in its wake, especially for its rival, the more established 'Jakarta Post'.
http://www.theasiamediaforum.org/node/964
Thai Censors on the Prowl Again - Activists
'This URL has been blocked by a Court Order or it could have an affect [sic] on or be against the security of the Kingdom, public order or good morals'. This message is what will greet Thailand-based Netizens who happen to wander around the new round of blocked sites, says an activist group pushing for freedom from Internet censorship.
http://www.theasiamediaforum.org/node/963
Journalists Protest Maoist Attack via Blank Editorials
In a unanimous move, Nepal’s leading newspapers on Dec 23 left the space meant for editorials blank to protest growing attacks against the media under the new Maoist government, the Indo-Asian News Service reported.The move revived memories of the fierce protests against censorship imposed by deposed king Gyanendra two years ago after an army-backed coup.
http://www.theasiamediaforum.org/node/965
How Journalists Can Help Enhance Religious Tolerance
Reporting the truth, verifying it with faultless checking, and adhering to a humanist perspective are ways journalists can help to enhance religious tolerance and establish communal harmony.
http://www.eyeonethics.org/2008/12/19/how-journalists-can-help-enhance-r...
A Killing Puzzle: The Life and Death of a Radio Block-Timer
The Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project looks into the killing of a radio block-timer in southern Philippines and how the latter's attacks on illegal logging could be behind the tragic event.
http://rightsreporting.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=184...
