5 October 2005
CMFR OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS
Safety training, strong legal resources, improved media ethics and active press councils that include citizens would help end the murders of journalists in the Philippines, says the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).
In a recent study of journalists' killings over the past five years, the IFEX member argues that, short of government support, the media could do more to stop the cycle of violence that has claimed 25 journalists since 2000.
"Safety training has not been undertaken by newsrooms. Journalists do not receive instructions to report any threats received to superiors or to let employers know when they are traveling on their own to investigate sensitive stories," says CMFR.
Journalists and their families also need better access to legal support to go after perpetrators of crimes against journalists, the group says. CMFR aims to promote closer ties to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, a national lawyers' association which provides pro bono services.
Perhaps more importantly, media organisations need to realise the importance of practicing fair and balanced journalism, says CMFR. "Freedom is best protected by responsible practice, because when the press does the right things freely and on its own, it will gain the kind of public support that will help to protect the institution and its members from attack."
Many radio stations lease air time to "block timers" - individuals with little or no journalism experience who host radio programmes and are often responsible for attracting advertising revenue on their own. Of the 17 radio broadcasters murdered since 2000, at least seven were block-timers, according to CMFR.
Critics of block-timing say that since the commentators are unregulated and have to solicit sponsors to support themselves, they are more likely to abuse their power and engage in questionable practices.
"National media-based associations need to establish ethical templates that can guide employees and freelance workers, including block timers," says CMFR.
Press councils with citizen participation would also go some way toward fostering public support for the media, adds CMFR. "The councils can provide a venue for hearing complaints and recourse for offending parties. [They provide] a public forum for the discussion of media and related issues."
CMFR argues that this process would make the public see the media's role as necessary and consequently, they would be more involved in the protection of its legitimate function. CMFR has helped establish citizen press councils in Cebu, Baguio and Palawan.
CMFR's report is published in the latest edition of "PJR Reports". It can be downloaded here: http://www.cmfr-phil.org/pjrseptoct.pdf
Read these reports on the Philippines by other IFEX members:
- CPJ: http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/2005/phil_05/phil_05.html
- IFJ: http://www.ifj-asia.org/files/a_dangerous_profession.pdf
- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=13604
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