ACCORDING to one description, journalism is the craft of conveying news, descriptive material and comment via a widening spectrum of media. These include newspapers, magazines, radio and television, the internet and even, more recently, the cell phone. I buy this description.
The professionals in it, the journalists who work as writers, editors or photographers; broadcast presenters or producers — serve as the chief purveyors of information and opinion in contemporary mass society. That is their prime task; that is their only and noble duty.
Journalism is about facts – true facts. Although some well-calculated speculation can be allowed, the profession largely hinges around the truth. Now, can a journalist-turned-political activist be expected to write the truth all the time? Eyebrows are raised when such a journalist openly acts in favor of some political party.
Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action or inaction to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
Activism can be described as involvement in action to bring about change, be it social, political, environmental, or other. Activism and journalism are strange bed partners; one has to choose between the two. You cannot be both without jeopardizing the prospects of the other. Yet there has emerged what could be better described as activist-journalists.
Journalists who engage in activism assume to themselves responsibilities that belong to the reader: "Not only am I going to give you the 'facts', am I going to make your decisions for you The activist journalist presumes to know all the relevant detail in all the different maps of reality of every unique reader in an arrogance of excessive self-pride and self-confidence matched only by the journalist's contempt for the reader.
By Zahra Lalani
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Pemra Ordinance
Since the liberalization of the broadcast sector in Pakistan in 2002, the media landscape in the country has entirely changed. From one state-run television channel to more than 71 satellite television channels and from one Radio Pakistan to more than 100 FM radio stations, the broadcast sector has increased exponentially over the past few years. The regulations were introduced with the aim of providing an enabling environment for the promotion of an independent and free media. The regulatory framework has managed to improve the choices of people with regards to news and current affairs. Nevertheless, the very objective of promoting independent and free media to foster a democratic society is not very visible. A variety of issues have been hampering the capacity of the regulatory body PEMRA to promote an enabling environment for the development of such media. This article is an attempt to highlight and explain the issues and problems faced by PEMRA. The article also aims at exploring various options to address the issues and problems in a just manner.
The media has multiple roles in creating an informed citizenry, building public opinion and fostering democratic processes. It is thus essential for the development of a democratic society. An environment that can ensure independent and free media is pivotal. Such environment provides the opportunity for the media to inform and educate citizens, increase social interaction, and shape values suitable to democracy. Considering the significance and role of independent and free media in the promotion of a democratic society, the Government of Pakistan in 2002 decided to liberalize the airwaves of the country – and relinquish the statemonopoly and introduced a regulatory framework to issue licenses for electronic media to the private sector. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was established for this purpose under the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002.
PEMRA has a broad range of objectives, including improving standards of information, education, and entertainment; enlarging people's choice of news and current affairs; improving access to mass media at the local and community level; and ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance. The central objective of PEMRA is to provide an enabling environment for the promotion of an independent and free media which is essential for the development of a democratic society. In order to materialize its objectives, PEMRA was authorized to issue licenses to the private sector for broadcast media – radio and satellite television – and distribution stations at international, national, provincial, and local level; and regulate the operation of the licensees. It is important to mention here that, prior to 2002, there were only the state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) and the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) to ‘inform, educate, and entertain’ the people through the airwaves of the country. During the past few years, PEMRA has managed to improve the choices of people with regards to news and current affairs. A large number of new radio and satellite television channels have appeared in the country and people can get information about events and incidents through various sources. Nevertheless, the very objective of promoting independent and free media to foster a democratic society is not very visible. A variety of issues have been hampering the capacity of the Authority to promote an enabling environment for the development of such media. These issues include, amongst others, autonomy and independence of the regulatory authority; regulatory deficits.
By Zahra Lalani
Copyright
DEFINITION
Copyright are the selected rights given to the originators of a work to distribute or copy it. Copyright protects creative expression that has been reduced to a tangible form, such as a book, music, computer program, screenplay etc.
Copyright is the ownership of an intellectual property within the limits prescribed by a particular nation's or international law. It refers to laws that regulate the use of the work of a creator, such as an artist or author. This includes copying, distributing, altering and displaying creative, literary and other types of work.
LEGAL DEFINITION OF COPYRIGHT
A bundle of intangible rights granted by statute to the author or originator of certain literary or artistic productions, whereby, for a limited period, the exclusive privilege is given to that person (or to any party to whom he or she transfers ownership) to make copies of the same for publication and sale.
HOLDERS OF A COPYRIGHT
A copyright is initially owned by the author of the work, except in the case of a "work for hire." A work for hire can arise in two situations:
(1) where an employee creates a work within the scope of his/her employment, in which case the employer owns the copyright to the work upon its creation;
(2) where two parties enter a written agreement designating the creation as a work for hire and the work falls within one of nine specific categories of work designated by copyright law.
If the work does not fit one of the specified categories, it will not be a work for hire even if the parties have called it one. In such a case, the author or authors retain the copyright, and transfer must be accomplished through a written assignment of copyright. Where there is a valid work for hire, the employer who owns the copyright has the same rights as any copyright holder, including the right to initiate an action for copyright infringement.
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Copyright infringement is the unauthorized or prohibited use of works covered by copyright law, in a way that violates one of the copyright owner's exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce or perform the copyrighted work, or to make derivative works.
EXAMPLES
Musical works
Duplication of a CD or other recorded media containing copyright material without permission of the copyright holder may be a form of copyright infringement, dependent on local laws.
TV and film
Promotional screener DVDs distributed by movie studios (often for consideration for awards) are a common source of unauthorized copying when movies are still in theatrical release,
Text
The unauthorized use of text content can be a form of copyright infringement. It is common on the world wide web for text to be copied from one site to another without consent of the author.
By Fatima Sayani
Pemra Ordinance
The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan made and forwarded the Ordinance for the development and working of broadcast media and named it as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002.
The ordinance has various definitions regarding the media, its people, its channels, the license, the programmes etc. These definitions are given for the clear understanding of the people in media industry regarding the Ordinance. The Federal Govt. establishes an Authority known as PEMRA with its principal office at Islamabad and can set up its offices at different places in the country. The Authority will provide regulations for operating broadcast media and air the channels for all target audiences. The Federal Govt has the authority to issue directives in the Authority and same has to be followed as a final decision.
The Authority will have a Chairman and nine members out of which one will be selected by the Federal Govt and five will represent all provinces with expertise in various fields.
The meetings are going to be conducted by the Chairman and the decisions taken shall be mutual with all the members present and in case of a tie, the presiding person would cast a last vote.
The Chairman of the authority and the members, during their period of holding the office for four years cannot engage themselves with other businesses or persons relating to broadcast media or cannot be a part in applying for a license for the same, thus having no direct or indirect financial interest as well.
The budget will be provided to the Federal Govt three months before the financial year starts. The Authority will then establish a PEMRA FUND which will be used for various payments like salaries etc.
The Authority shall keep complete records of its books and maintain audits and send their Annual Report to the President of Pakistan at the end of each financial year.
The Authority can issue licenses to the broadcasters as per the list agreed on and can charge its fee for the same, provided the broadcaster respects the integrity of Pakistan, complies with the rules of the Ordinance and keeps the public interests in mind not engaging in terrorism etc.
If an individual is not a citizen of Pakistan, is a foreign company or has maximum share holders as foreign nationals, it not permitted to apply for licenses with the Authority.
The members of the Authority can visit the CTV stations for the purpose of inspection and can suspend or prohibit broadcasting of such programs that create violence and hatred.
The Authority may discontinue or revoke the license of a broadcaster if he fails to pay the fees, does not comply with the conditions or transfers its shares to other share holders etc.
The Authority shall punish a broadcaster for a penalty if he violates the provisions of the Ordinance or is found guilty for imprisonment.
Moreover, the Authority will have power to make rules by notification in the official Gazette after taking prior approval from the Government.
By Fatima Sayani
Review of the documentary
Media and its manipulation of TRPs to gain power was the main theme of the documentary. The attempt was to highlight how media is trying to force feed to the audience what will be monetarily beneficial for them. The content which may not necessarily be newsworthy or have any information that may be deemed important or relevant to the society in general, is shown to the audience to further increase their viewer base and in turn the revenue streamline.
All this is done in the name of the demand of the audience. Most channels and their personnel will wash their hands off the issue by saying that they are only showing what the people want to see. In that, they do not see their responsibility towards showing what is truly news and is disseminating some information that the audience were not previously aware of or had forgotten about it.
The documentary also takes into account the views of general population, those are the consumers of what’s been shown to them and those who the channel blame for what they show. As is turns out and is shown in the film that the public is not oblivious to the fact that they are being manipulated and used to garner profits for the channels. In the film it is clearly shown that the public does not want to see redundant and repetitive news. They do not want to be shown irrelevant things and overtly exaggerated news, which only adds to the misery of the general life standards by inculcating fear, faithlessness, distrust and ambiguity.
By Sara Kyani
Journalism vs. Activism
Journalism is investigating and reporting of events, issues and trends to a target audience. The ideal aim of a journalist is to investigate and report factual events and happenings that take place in the society. The journalistic reporting is aimed at being the reflection of the society and state facts as facts.
Activism consists of intentional action to bring about social, political, economic or environmental change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument. Mostly, activism is a term associated with actions and reaction and ideologies of the opposing party.
Journalism is what is expected of the news channels and their journalists, hosts, and the extended team alike. However, in today’s times most of channels and their stakeholders are involved in activism more than fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities. The lines between stating the facts and putting across the opinions are constantly being blurred across most mediums, especially electronic media.
By Sara Kyani
Copyright
Copyright is the term given to exclusive rights exercised by the owner of an original piece to copy, distribute and adapt the work. The copyright phenomenon is not new to the world but the extent to which it is being exercised is questionable. There are some countries such as Pakistan where the copyright is still a fledgling idea.
The world over, various industries are struggling with the role of copyright and continue to question the success or failure of it. Music industry faces this predicament, with the influx of online medium increasing the growth and reach of music content through various free websites – hence completely killing the purpose of the copyright.
There is a relatively new field that has been inducted into the copyright realm, that of the intellectual property copyright. The aim of this law is to protect the rights of a thought or an idea that somebody came up with and may not have turned into a tangible product or document to be categorized into another copyright head.
By
Sara Kyani
Pemra Ordinance
Pemra was put in place by the government of Pakistan in 2002 to streamline the media players in the industry, with focus on the development and integration of all stakeholders involved and to provide a systematic approach.
Following are some important points from the Ordinance:
Improve the standards of information, education and entertainment
Following are some important points from the Ordinance:
Improve the standards of information, education and entertainment
Enlarge the choice available to the people of Pakistan in the media for news, current affairs, religious knowledge, art, culture, science, technology, economic development, social sector concerns, music, sports, drama and other subjects of public and national interest
Facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grass-roots by improving the access of the people to mass media at the local and community level; and
Ensure accountability, transparency and good governance by optimizing the free flow of information.
The Pemra Ordinance is obviously a document which discusses each component of the media machinery and its parts in greater detail; defining the roles, rules and regulations.
Facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grass-roots by improving the access of the people to mass media at the local and community level; and
Ensure accountability, transparency and good governance by optimizing the free flow of information.
The Pemra Ordinance is obviously a document which discusses each component of the media machinery and its parts in greater detail; defining the roles, rules and regulations.
By Sara Kyani
Monday, August 16, 2010
Activists Decry Repression on Internet
A media watchdog group called Reporters Without Borders has accused the United Arab Emirates of arresting people who used the popular BlackBerry device to organize a street protest against petrol price increases. The incident highlighted how governments around the world are increasingly using internet and mobile technology to undermine civil liberties.
Internet freedom activists say the Dubai episode is the latest incident in an alarming trend - that entire governments are censoring the internet.
Robert Guerra, who directs an internet freedom project for a democracy watchdog group, says governments everywhere are cracking down on freedom of expression and online association - in a trend he calls "Repression 2.0".
"We need to follow issues related to surveillance and we need to follow the trend of repression 2.0, the use of social networking tools and social media by governments to tracking down and cracking down on civil society," he said.
As one example, Guerra points to Tunisia, which is suspected of launching sophisticated internet attacks against activists and human rights NGO's (non-governmental organizations).
But human rights lawyer Cynthia Wong says even Western and democratic states are considering policies that put internet freedom at risk.
Wong says governments are calling for mandatory filtering in an effort to protect children from dangers on the internet. And she says anonymous posts may become a thing of the past - as governments try to address online defamation issues.
"The goal of a lot of these policies is very laudable and very good but some of the laws and the ways countries are addressing the problems tend to undermine freedom online," she said.
Activists like Guerra and Wong point to countries like South Korea, which wants to require people to open internet accounts under their real names. Guerra believes it's in reaction to street protests that were mobilized by cell phones and anonymous posts.
And in the United States, the FBI wants Congress to lower the legal threshold to access the private data of internet users.
But governments are not the only ones responsible for placing limits on online freedom, they say. Internet providers and other telecommunications corporations also play a role.
"Increasingly, we see governments push businesses and ask them to take actions that actually assist in government surveillance and censorship," Cynthia Wong said. "The way that companies decide to respond to these requests will have a huge impact on human rights."
Guerra points to the sale of sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure by NOKIA Siemans to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The deal included equipment that allows law enforcement to monitor mobile phone calls and track the location of cell phone users.
But Google's Bob Boorstin says internet freedom is an imperfect thing and people should not think of the internet in idealistic terms.
"Our responsibility at Google is to do everything we can to maximize access to internet information and to promote freedom of expression, and I use that word carefully - maximize - because there's no such things as pure freedom of expression," he said.
In the past, the governments of Thailand and Turkey have threatened to shut down Google in their countries, if the search engine did not remove certain websites those governments deemed subversive.
Google refused Turkey's request, saying it was too extreme.
As a result, many of the search engine's popular service,s including YouTube, have been unavailable in Turkey since May.
Nevertheless, Boorstin says Google feels it has must often compromise with governments, on a case-by-case basis, or face being shut down in an entire country.
Human rights activist Roya Boroumand says she's uneasy with the compromises corporations make over internet freedom - but she adds the willingness of companies like Google to have a public conversation about it is a step in the right direction.
"Ten years ago we wouldn't have thought that large corporations would have a responsibility in this issue," she said. "Now, this man sits here and he's forced to speak with you and that's a positive sign."
Wong says China is perfecting its online surveillance systems on its citizens and is gradually closing up the internet as a place for free civil discourse.
She adds many countries are looking to China as a model for how to place those restrictions on their own people.
Mana Rabiee, 11 August 2010
Source: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Activists-Decry-Repression-on-Internet-100478604.html
Courtesy: Arif Rajani
Comments Please!
Internet freedom activists say the Dubai episode is the latest incident in an alarming trend - that entire governments are censoring the internet.
Robert Guerra, who directs an internet freedom project for a democracy watchdog group, says governments everywhere are cracking down on freedom of expression and online association - in a trend he calls "Repression 2.0".
"We need to follow issues related to surveillance and we need to follow the trend of repression 2.0, the use of social networking tools and social media by governments to tracking down and cracking down on civil society," he said.
As one example, Guerra points to Tunisia, which is suspected of launching sophisticated internet attacks against activists and human rights NGO's (non-governmental organizations).
But human rights lawyer Cynthia Wong says even Western and democratic states are considering policies that put internet freedom at risk.
Wong says governments are calling for mandatory filtering in an effort to protect children from dangers on the internet. And she says anonymous posts may become a thing of the past - as governments try to address online defamation issues.
"The goal of a lot of these policies is very laudable and very good but some of the laws and the ways countries are addressing the problems tend to undermine freedom online," she said.
Activists like Guerra and Wong point to countries like South Korea, which wants to require people to open internet accounts under their real names. Guerra believes it's in reaction to street protests that were mobilized by cell phones and anonymous posts.
And in the United States, the FBI wants Congress to lower the legal threshold to access the private data of internet users.
But governments are not the only ones responsible for placing limits on online freedom, they say. Internet providers and other telecommunications corporations also play a role.
"Increasingly, we see governments push businesses and ask them to take actions that actually assist in government surveillance and censorship," Cynthia Wong said. "The way that companies decide to respond to these requests will have a huge impact on human rights."
Guerra points to the sale of sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure by NOKIA Siemans to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The deal included equipment that allows law enforcement to monitor mobile phone calls and track the location of cell phone users.
But Google's Bob Boorstin says internet freedom is an imperfect thing and people should not think of the internet in idealistic terms.
"Our responsibility at Google is to do everything we can to maximize access to internet information and to promote freedom of expression, and I use that word carefully - maximize - because there's no such things as pure freedom of expression," he said.
In the past, the governments of Thailand and Turkey have threatened to shut down Google in their countries, if the search engine did not remove certain websites those governments deemed subversive.
Google refused Turkey's request, saying it was too extreme.
As a result, many of the search engine's popular service,s including YouTube, have been unavailable in Turkey since May.
Nevertheless, Boorstin says Google feels it has must often compromise with governments, on a case-by-case basis, or face being shut down in an entire country.
Human rights activist Roya Boroumand says she's uneasy with the compromises corporations make over internet freedom - but she adds the willingness of companies like Google to have a public conversation about it is a step in the right direction.
"Ten years ago we wouldn't have thought that large corporations would have a responsibility in this issue," she said. "Now, this man sits here and he's forced to speak with you and that's a positive sign."
Wong says China is perfecting its online surveillance systems on its citizens and is gradually closing up the internet as a place for free civil discourse.
She adds many countries are looking to China as a model for how to place those restrictions on their own people.
Mana Rabiee, 11 August 2010
Source: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Activists-Decry-Repression-on-Internet-100478604.html
Courtesy: Arif Rajani
Comments Please!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Geo blocked over news of shoe hurling at Zardari
KARACHI: The transmission of Geo News has been blocked overnight in various parts of country after it aired news regarding hurling of shoes at President Zardari during his party address in Birmingham, Geo News reported cable operators sources as saying.
Meanwhile, many offices of cable operators in Karachi have been set ablaze by angry activists of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Some of PPP’s leaders and government officials have issued threats and warnings to cable operators across country against continuation of Geo News transmission, pressurizing them to shut Geo News transmission but most cable operators refused to do so, sources said.
However, a private company namely World Call and another one by the name KMPC blocked Geo News signals as late as 2am in morning.
Newspapers’ vendors have been robbed of copies of Jang and Thenews newspapers upon direction of President Asif Ali Zardari and Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira from London, besides, the PPP workers were accompanied by police officials in posing threats to cable operators and hawkers, sources told media.
Following the blockage, a large number of people registered a massive protest against closure of Geo News transmission across country and rampage, arson and riots triggered by workers of PPP, sources said.
Meanwhile, many a Geo News’ workers have decided to register a protest against government in reaction against blockage of Geo News transmission over keeping people updated with facts and truths.
People and Geo News employees have resolved staging a massive string of demonstrations against stoppage of Geo News transmission and burning of Jang and Thenews newspapers by PPP workers, sources said.
The Demos will be staged outside President House, Prime Minister House, in front of Oman Embassy in Islamabad, outside CM, Governor Houses, Press Clubs and offices of cable operators all over country.
Most copies of Jang and Thenews newspapers have been burnt to ashes after robbing them of hawkers at gunpoint in Karachi.
A meeting of journalists, and Geo News employees has been convened in this connection, which will decide further course of action over this issue, journalists told Geo News.
People were of the view that Geo/Jang Group is being penalized over revealing of facts and speaking the truth. They said the ruling elite is angry over reporting of news regarding controversial visit of president Zardari in face of worst floods in country.
President was not only being criticized in country but international media were also grilling him due to massive human crisis in country while he refused to call off his UK visit.
Meanwhile, many offices of cable operators in Karachi have been set ablaze by angry activists of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Some of PPP’s leaders and government officials have issued threats and warnings to cable operators across country against continuation of Geo News transmission, pressurizing them to shut Geo News transmission but most cable operators refused to do so, sources said.
However, a private company namely World Call and another one by the name KMPC blocked Geo News signals as late as 2am in morning.
Newspapers’ vendors have been robbed of copies of Jang and Thenews newspapers upon direction of President Asif Ali Zardari and Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira from London, besides, the PPP workers were accompanied by police officials in posing threats to cable operators and hawkers, sources told media.
Following the blockage, a large number of people registered a massive protest against closure of Geo News transmission across country and rampage, arson and riots triggered by workers of PPP, sources said.
Meanwhile, many a Geo News’ workers have decided to register a protest against government in reaction against blockage of Geo News transmission over keeping people updated with facts and truths.
People and Geo News employees have resolved staging a massive string of demonstrations against stoppage of Geo News transmission and burning of Jang and Thenews newspapers by PPP workers, sources said.
The Demos will be staged outside President House, Prime Minister House, in front of Oman Embassy in Islamabad, outside CM, Governor Houses, Press Clubs and offices of cable operators all over country.
Most copies of Jang and Thenews newspapers have been burnt to ashes after robbing them of hawkers at gunpoint in Karachi.
A meeting of journalists, and Geo News employees has been convened in this connection, which will decide further course of action over this issue, journalists told Geo News.
People were of the view that Geo/Jang Group is being penalized over revealing of facts and speaking the truth. They said the ruling elite is angry over reporting of news regarding controversial visit of president Zardari in face of worst floods in country.
President was not only being criticized in country but international media were also grilling him due to massive human crisis in country while he refused to call off his UK visit.
Photo and Video Courtesy: Danial Shaikh
Article: http://www.geo.tv/8-8-2010/69658.htm
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