ASEAN journalistic cooperation faces new opportunities and challenges.

Thursday - October 27, 2016 01:00

At the recent workshop "ASEAN Journalism - Comparative Perspectives," jointly organized by the Faculty of Journalism and Communication (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and the KAS Institute (Federal Republic of Germany), the challenges and opportunities for cooperation in ASEAN journalism were identified.

Hợp tác báo chí ASEAN đứng trước cơ hội và thách thức mới — ASEAN journalistic cooperation faces new opportunities and challenges.

This is the first international conference on ASEAN journalism in Vietnam, with the participation of many scientists, managers, and media professionals from various countries, including: Dr. Bob Iskandar (Director of the ASEAN Federation of Journalists), Dr. Kalinga Senevirattne (Chulalongkorn University, Thailand), journalist Le Van Nghiem (Director of the Department of External Information, Ministry of Information and Communications), Dr. Ta Bich Loan (Head of the Youth Department of VTV6, Vietnam Television), journalist Le Quoc Minh (Editor-in-Chief of Vietnamplus, Vietnam News Agency), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)...

This is the first international workshop on the topic "ASEAN Journalism: Comparative Perspectives".

According to Associate Professor Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong, ASEAN countries are all developing countries, many of which have not yet overcome the consequences of war, and their infrastructure remains outdated. Journalism in ASEAN countries emerged centuries later than in Western countries. Most of these countries do not yet have a strong media industry. The living standards of people in ASEAN countries are still low, so access to newspapers, magazines, and mass media is only at an average level compared to the rest of the world. The current political systems in these countries differ significantly, and socio-economic conditions also vary considerably; therefore, the development of journalism in ASEAN countries is uneven.

The workshop was attended by leading officials, experts, and journalists and media professionals from ASEAN countries.

In 1975, the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) was established. CAJ's objectives include: promoting a healthy, free, and responsible press; advancing journalistic careers and strengthening professional relationships between ASEAN journalists and international journalistic organizations; and enhancing understanding among ASEAN nations to achieve prosperity, social justice, and peace. Alongside this, the ASEAN Code of Ethics for Journalists was promulgated in 1987. These rules affirm general and specific values, uphold humanism, emphasize the responsibility and conscience of journalists, and strive for social justice, friendship, and cooperation among nations.

According to journalist Le Van Nghiem, since the formation of the ASEAN community, ASEAN journalistic cooperation has seen positive developments. ASEAN media outlets have begun to show interest in reporting on ASEAN member states. Television and radio stations have regular programs about ASEAN. Each country has its own ASEAN electronic portal. Some countries have established permanent press offices to regularly report on the host country. Some newspapers send reporters to ASEAN countries to cover important events. The press has contributed to helping people in ASEAN countries improve their understanding of ASEAN and its member states.

However, these activities have not met expectations. Current limitations include a small number of ASEAN journalists working in other countries; a lack of meetings, contacts, and workshops on ASEAN journalism; and insufficient information about ASEAN.

ASEAN journalism is facing new opportunities and challenges – a common assertion among many researchers. More than ever, ASEAN journalism needs comprehensive and in-depth cooperation to effectively fulfill its responsibilities and role in the development of the community. It is time for ASEAN journalists to unite, enhance information exchange, and strengthen connections through common tools and forums… One of the recent examples of this cooperative trend was the ASEAN Editors' Summit 2016, held in Kuala Lumpur in April 2016. The summit aimed to strengthen media cooperation to promote ASEAN identity in the integration process. Several proposals were put forward for journalistic cooperation, including: adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and responsible journalism in providing media reports on ASEAN issues; establishing permanent forums for ASEAN editors to meet and exchange views; and enhancing the dissemination of ASEAN's vision and goals. Identify, evaluate, and reward outstanding news, reports, and articles in cross-regional media that contribute to raising public awareness and ASEAN integration.