JSchool::IIJ

IFJ Condemns Harassment of Journalists' Leader in Tunisia (IFJ Global)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:17:13 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the authorities in Tunisia of engaging in a "relentless campaign" of intimidation and harassment of a journalists' leader. The IFJ says Zied-el-Heni, a member of the leadership of the Syndicat national des journalistes tunisiens (SNJT) and of the steering committee of the African Federation of Journalistes (FAJ), the IFJ regional group, is the victim of a campaign to undermine independent journalism. "There is no let up in the authorities' targeting of independent journalists in Tunisia," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Zied has been reporting to the police, only to be sent home hours later and without being spoken to. The campaign against him is relentless and unacceptable." According to SNJT, an IFJ affiliate, Zied was summoned by police twice this week and was made to wait for seven hours on 27 July before being sent home without anyone talking to him. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the authorities in Tunisia of engaging in a "relentless campaign" of intimidation and harassment of a journalists' leader. The IFJ says Zied-el-Heni, a member of the leadership of the Syndicat national des journalistes tunisiens (SNJT) and of the steering committee of the African Federation of Journalistes (FAJ), the IFJ regional group, is the victim of a campaign to undermine independent journalism. "There is no let up in the authorities' targeting of independent journalists in Tunisia," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Zied has been reporting to the police, only to be sent home hours later and without being spoken to. The campaign against him is relentless and unacceptable." According to SNJT, an IFJ affiliate, Zied was summoned by police twice this week and was made to wait for seven hours on 27 July before being sent home without anyone talking to him.

Four Things I Did Not Know (Institute for International Journalism)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:55:00 +0200

OK. Pardon my ignorance. But I learnt the following from my colleagues here at SUSI 2010 at OU.

1. In Finland, there is a sauna culture that has everybody basking in saunas....naked! Outi was filling me on the details recently. Then, because it sounded so interesting, I went and spent almost 3 hours browsing the net to get more details. I found out that Finland has approximately 2 million saunas for a population that is approximately 5 million! On average, that is approximately one sauna per 2.5 people! Wow! I also learnt that the sauna is so ingrained in the culture that the military has a history of erecting one anywhere they go. Outi even said that they have interviewed naked politicians while in they were in the sauna ....and showed it on T.V.! (They did not show the privates, so stop wondering!). Talk about a cultural difference. In my neck of the woods such a thing would be anathema for sure. It should be said though that there is nothing sexual about the sauna culture. It is all for utility. I definately need to go to Finland! Who will sponsor me?

2. Abijhit was telling me that in India, it is quite normal for grown adults to live with their parents even after marriage. He even blogged about it. Again, in my neck of the woods, we clamour to get out of our parents' house. For me, going off to University for undergrad studies was the first step and it was understood that I would never live with my parents again, which I was grateful for! Don't get me wrong, I love them to death (or to life?) but I wanted my independence, freedom and privacy. I dutifully call and visit often though. Come to think of it, I have not slept at my parents' house in six and a half years! Wow. I did not even realize it was so long. The last time I slept there was the night before my wedding, I went home to spend the last night of single-hood with my family soon to become my relatives. (Do you have the distinction between family and relatives?) Of course, I didn't really sleep. Who sleeps the night before their wedding? I was up until around 2 a.m. then went laid down and prayed then thought about my future. Prayer is a must the night before one's wedding!

3. Somebody has two wives. In Ja. only one wife is allowed but being the creative and innovative people we are many men simply opt to have one wife and two or three mistresses "on the side" (reminds you of side dishes, doesn't it? A kind of delectable treat that you add to your main course. Mmmmmm).

4. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. I think that is a good thing.

N.C.
OK. Pardon my ignorance. But I learnt the following from my colleagues here at SUSI 2010 at OU.

1. In Finland, there is a sauna culture that has everybody basking in saunas....naked! Outi was filling me on the details recently. Then, because it sounded so interesting, I went and spent almost 3 hours browsing the net to get more details. I found out that Finland has approximately 2 million saunas for a population that is approximately 5 million! On average, that is approximately one sauna per 2.5 people! Wow! I also learnt that the sauna is so ingrained in the culture that the military has a history of erecting one anywhere they go. Outi even said that they have interviewed naked politicians while in they were in the sauna ....and showed it on T.V.! (They did not show the privates, so stop wondering!). Talk about a cultural difference. In my neck of the woods such a thing would be anathema for sure. It should be said though that there is nothing sexual about the sauna culture. It is all for utility. I definately need to go to Finland! Who will sponsor me?

2. Abijhit was telling me that in India, it is quite normal for grown adults to live with their parents even after marriage. He even blogged about it. Again, in my neck of the woods, we clamour to get out of our parents' house. For me, going off to University for undergrad studies was the first step and it was understood that I would never live with my parents again, which I was grateful for! Don't get me wrong, I love them to death (or to life?) but I wanted my independence, freedom and privacy. I dutifully call and visit often though. Come to think of it, I have not slept at my parents' house in six and a half years! Wow. I did not even realize it was so long. The last time I slept there was the night before my wedding, I went home to spend the last night of single-hood with my family soon to become my relatives. (Do you have the distinction between family and relatives?) Of course, I didn't really sleep. Who sleeps the night before their wedding? I was up until around 2 a.m. then went laid down and prayed then thought about my future. Prayer is a must the night before one's wedding!

3. Somebody has two wives. In Ja. only one wife is allowed but being the creative and innovative people we are many men simply opt to have one wife and two or three mistresses "on the side" (reminds you of side dishes, doesn't it? A kind of delectable treat that you add to your main course. Mmmmmm).

4. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. I think that is a good thing.

N.C.

A Day with Native Americans (Institute for International Journalism)

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:25:00 +0200

By Outi Hakola, Finland

On Saturday we got a glimpse of Native American culture that once ruled in Ohio. We visited the Indian Mound City in Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. In a burning mid-summer weather – a weather what we would call as an Indian summer in Finland – we were amazed by the geometrical shapes of mounds. One just couldn’t but wonder how life was 2000 years ago when the area was inhabited by Native Americans and what secrets lay in the ground. Walking around the grass gave, at least to me, almost a spiritual experience, while Mound City used to be the ceremonial centre of that long-gone culture.

When the sun set slowly behind the trees and the Indian summer day turned into moonlight we experienced a rather different kind of encounter with Native American culture in Chillicothe. This experience of an outdoor drama had nothing to do with spirituality, although it did evoke our spirits. For almost three hours we were entertained with a story of great Shawnee leader, Tecumseh.

For me this was especially interesting play. After all, one of my colleagues in Finland recently finished his lengthy study of Shawnee people and during the passing years I have had privilege to comment his work, listen his seminar papers and even learn some sentences in Shawnee’s language. Evening with moonlight with glittering bodies was more entertaining and stereotypic than educating, but these home-made savages made us go through different emotions with their tales of romance, adventure, battle, deceit and death.

Even more emotions were encountered after the show when we had the pleasure to meet the actors. From our behavior you might have guessed that you’re dealing with a bunch of six-years old, but the happy smiles on our faces prove that we had a great day out and we returned to Athens with stories about Native Americans - made both from facts and fiction.By Outi Hakola, Finland

On Saturday we got a glimpse of Native American culture that once ruled in Ohio. We visited the Indian Mound City in Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. In a burning mid-summer weather – a weather what we would call as an Indian summer in Finland – we were amazed by the geometrical shapes of mounds. One just couldn’t but wonder how life was 2000 years ago when the area was inhabited by Native Americans and what secrets lay in the ground. Walking around the grass gave, at least to me, almost a spiritual experience, while Mound City used to be the ceremonial centre of that long-gone culture.

When the sun set slowly behind the trees and the Indian summer day turned into moonlight we experienced a rather different kind of encounter with Native American culture in Chillicothe. This experience of an outdoor drama had nothing to do with spirituality, although it did evoke our spirits. For almost three hours we were entertained with a story of great Shawnee leader, Tecumseh.

For me this was especially interesting play. After all, one of my colleagues in Finland recently finished his lengthy study of Shawnee people and during the passing years I have had privilege to comment his work, listen his seminar papers and even learn some sentences in Shawnee’s language. Evening with moonlight with glittering bodies was more entertaining and stereotypic than educating, but these home-made savages made us go through different emotions with their tales of romance, adventure, battle, deceit and death.

Even more emotions were encountered after the show when we had the pleasure to meet the actors. From our behavior you might have guessed that you’re dealing with a bunch of six-years old, but the happy smiles on our faces prove that we had a great day out and we returned to Athens with stories about Native Americans - made both from facts and fiction.

Journalist Abused in Iranian Prison (World Press Review)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:42:00 +0200

Since the crackdown on the Green Movement, reports of prisoner abuse have been common. Abdolreza Tajik, a human rights activist, is the latest victim. Since the crackdown on the Green Movement, reports of prisoner abuse have been common. Abdolreza Tajik, a human rights activist, is the latest victim.

IFJ Condemns Impunity as Iraq Suicide Strike on Al-Arabiya Kills Six (IFJ Global)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:59:28 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad on the Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya in which four employees and two members of the public were killed. The Federation says journalists remain prime targets for terrorists in Iraq and the government must act now to counter impunity in the killings of journalists. The suicide bomber blew up a vehicle at around 9.30am local time in front of the station's bureau in Baghdad's city centre, leaving a massive crater. Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said three guards and a cleaning woman were killed in the blast that left another 10 injured. "This attack comes after clear threats from terrorists that they intend to target media," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It is a shocking incident that reinforces the concern over the dangers faced by journalists and media. More must be done to ensure the safety of all media personnel. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad on the Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya in which four employees and two members of the public were killed. The Federation says journalists remain prime targets for terrorists in Iraq and the government must act now to counter impunity in the killings of journalists. The suicide bomber blew up a vehicle at around 9.30am local time in front of the station's bureau in Baghdad's city centre, leaving a massive crater. Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said three guards and a cleaning woman were killed in the blast that left another 10 injured. "This attack comes after clear threats from terrorists that they intend to target media," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It is a shocking incident that reinforces the concern over the dangers faced by journalists and media. More must be done to ensure the safety of all media personnel.

The Freezing of Afghan Asylum Claims in Australia (World Press Review)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:12:00 +0200

The Australian government announced a freeze on asylum claims from Afghans, despite the fact that human rights organizations unanimously report that Afghan civilians face just as much danger as ever. The Australian government announced a freeze on asylum claims from Afghans, despite the fact that human rights organizations unanimously report that Afghan civilians face just as much danger as ever.

Discussing Conflict Resolution (Institute for International Journalism)

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:39:00 +0200

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The video was taken during long debate to make decision about " Conflict Resolution Case Study" in Yusuf Kalyango's class. We study how to solve problems in an organisation by applying SWOT analysis and Management by Objectives.

Uploaded by Nurul">

The video was taken during long debate to make decision about " Conflict Resolution Case Study" in Yusuf Kalyango's class. We study how to solve problems in an organisation by applying SWOT analysis and Management by Objectives.

Uploaded by Nurul

A PERFECT FAMILY GET TOGETHER (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:23:00 +0200

A PERFECTLY-ENJOYABLE EVENING

It was a perfect and most enjoyable evening of the tour, courtesy Michael Dibari – the jovial, active, sporty gentleman and his family. Yes, the occasion was just a get together of the SUSI 2010 GANG at Michael’s neat and cosy home just a few minutes off from OU campus. It is a fine neighbourhood with lot of space for kids to play around and feel safe from speeding traffic.

While Michael carried out the task of preparing ‘pizzas’ in several delicious varieties we offered our generous “helping hand” by finishing the dishes quickly followed again by several types of disserts.

We enjoyed a lot in the tree-lined courtyard under a big tree and the few apple trees which Michael is so proud of, of course he should be.

One high point of the evening was the feeling of homesickness at least for myself personally. I have a kid at home who is about 5 and a half.

It is an interesting dilemma. In India it is the usual thing to stay with our parents even when we are matured and earning ourselves comfortably and are married. Of course, with job-related relocation, other problems this tradition is fast giving way to nuclear families – only the parents and their kids without paternal grandparents. For me since last about 8 months I am living away from my parents because of job relocation.

My family – my kid and his mother – is in my parent’s house at present as I am here. Everyday whenever I call home, my kid has only two things to say primarily – I should come home soon and I must bring a children’s game-playing system with me.

Since we are in groups and everyday we are quite busy in various things, the nostalgic feeling does not manage to attack much. If I had to live alone and do things myself without any set routine it would have been quite boring and difficult to sustain these 45 days.

I had two similar experiences in 2007 and 2008 and when I visited Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and McGill University (Montreal, Canada) respectively on academic fellowships. Staying lonely in a big city far away from home sometimes creates difficulties.

It is compounded by the fact I am very fussy about western food. Somehow I find difficulty in surviving on hamburgers, boiled vegetable salads, soups, black coffee etc. OF COURSE ABSOLUTELY NO COMPNAITS ABOUT IT.

Well, whatever it is. These are some of the experiences of our life which makes it so colourful and we keep chasing them despite all hardships and difficulties. These are small difficulties compared to the pearls of experience and exposure that we are getting for which I consider myself highly LUCKY.

In fact, when I told my wife about feeling homesick she teased me saying that this is not going to make any difference to my constant efforts for looking for foreign academic fellowships anywhere in the world and that the moment I am back at home I would forget everything and look for the newer opportunities gain such an experience.

And true enough, I have already set my eyes on two foreign academic fellowships for which I am eligible for 2011.

Well, we meet to part and part to meet somewhere sometime.

Guys, so long.

ABHIJIT, contact me at abhijitbora71@rediffmail.com

A PERFECTLY-ENJOYABLE EVENING

We enjoyed a lot in the tree-lined courtyard under a big tree and the few apple trees which Michael is so proud of, of course he should be.

One high point of the evening was the feeling of homesickness at least for myself personally. I have a kid at home who is about 5 and a half.

And true enough, I have already set my eyes on two foreign academic fellowships for which I am eligible for 2011.

Well, we meet to part and part to meet somewhere sometime.

Guys, so long.

ABHIJIT, contact me at abhijitbora71@rediffmail.com

IFJ Joins "Freedom Day" Call for Action over Human Rights' Violations in Gambia (IFJ Global)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:27:23 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined forces yesterday on Gambia Freedom Day with the British Trades Union Congress and Amnesty International to press the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK to address the appalling human rights record of President Yahya Jammeh's government and its continued attacks on journalists and freedom of expression in the Gambia. They urged urgent action in particular to release journalist Ebrima Manneh who was arrested in July 2006, and disappeared ever since. IFJ President Jim Boumelha and Gambia Press Union Vice-President Sarata Jabbi Dibbi joined Owen Tudor, Head of the TUC European and International Department and Amnesty representatives in a meeting with officials in charge of human rights and the Gambia desk at the FCO. "Freedom Day is a sham and a cynical exercise in deceit by President Jammeh's government. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined forces yesterday on Gambia Freedom Day with the British Trades Union Congress and Amnesty International to press the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK to address the appalling human rights record of President Yahya Jammeh's government and its continued attacks on journalists and freedom of expression in the Gambia. They urged urgent action in particular to release journalist Ebrima Manneh who was arrested in July 2006, and disappeared ever since. IFJ President Jim Boumelha and Gambia Press Union Vice-President Sarata Jabbi Dibbi joined Owen Tudor, Head of the TUC European and International Department and Amnesty representatives in a meeting with officials in charge of human rights and the Gambia desk at the FCO. "Freedom Day is a sham and a cynical exercise in deceit by President Jammeh's government.

IFJ Condemns Violence against Photojournalists by Israeli Military in West Bank (IFJ Global)

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:01:29 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Israeli authorities to investigate violence by its soldiers in the West Bank who attacked a group of local photojournalists last week as they were covering demonstrations in the area for three international news agencies. In particular, the Federation is seeking reassurances from the Government that journalists must in no way be targeted for their presence in the vicinity of areas where fighting and political direct action are taking place. "We are deeply concerned by attempts to justify attacks on journalists on their presence near the events they are reporting on," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "This would be a dangerous departure from established practice under international humanitarian law which enshrines the protection of journalists in conflict areas. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Israeli authorities to investigate violence by its soldiers in the West Bank who attacked a group of local photojournalists last week as they were covering demonstrations in the area for three international news agencies. In particular, the Federation is seeking reassurances from the Government that journalists must in no way be targeted for their presence in the vicinity of areas where fighting and political direct action are taking place. "We are deeply concerned by attempts to justify attacks on journalists on their presence near the events they are reporting on," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "This would be a dangerous departure from established practice under international humanitarian law which enshrines the protection of journalists in conflict areas.

Taiwan: Building Partnerships for Asia-Pacific Economic Integration (World Press Review)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:59:00 +0200

As the global marketplace becomes a more integrated, multipolar arena, Taiwan's is working to develop symbiotic regional trade agreements, improve cross-strait relations and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties to the U.S. As the global marketplace becomes a more integrated, multipolar arena, Taiwan's is working to develop symbiotic regional trade agreements, improve cross-strait relations and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties to the U.S.

IFJ Condemns Bleak Manifesto of Newspaper Publishers in Face of Crisis (IFJ Global)

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:02:19 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the biggest journalists' group in the world, today condemned a report from newspaper publishers outlining strategies for outsourcing and cuts in journalism across the globe. The IFJ says a survey of the publishers' association, the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), is a "manifesto for destruction of quality journalism." "The world's newspaper bosses, including many editors, are taking the knife to the ethical and quality journalism," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Their strategy is simply slash-and-burn. They seek staff outsourcing, job losses and reduction of newspaper publishing. This is a complete betrayal of journalism as a public good. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the biggest journalists' group in the world, today condemned a report from newspaper publishers outlining strategies for outsourcing and cuts in journalism across the globe. The IFJ says a survey of the publishers' association, the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), is a "manifesto for destruction of quality journalism." "The world's newspaper bosses, including many editors, are taking the knife to the ethical and quality journalism," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Their strategy is simply slash-and-burn. They seek staff outsourcing, job losses and reduction of newspaper publishing. This is a complete betrayal of journalism as a public good.

Meeting Orson Welles (Institute for International Journalism)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 06:45:00 +0200

by Claudia Schwarz
Austria

Would you like to meet Orson Welles? – Well, sure. Isn’t he dead? – Not tonight.

They call it “Ohio Chautauqua” and the tagline is “Step back in time and celebrate our history … Enjoy the journey.”

Now picture this: a small town in the Midwest (the place is called Gallipolis, one hour south of Athens, Ohio; population approx. 4.100), a tent in the city park (much like a circus tent), a fair number of (elderly) people, a stage, several people in weird outfits. They come on stage and introduce each other as Eleanor Roosevelt, Paul Robeson, Margaret Mitchell, W.C. Fields, and Orson Welles.

It was opening night, so we had the privilege of meeting all five of the great personalities that would come back to life for an evening each this week to chat with the town folks about their lives, careers, and personalities.

(W.C. Fields and Eleanor Roosevelt in action)

This was Orson Welles’ big night and for 45 minutes he talked about his life, shared scarcely known anecdotes, and entertained the audience. He even agreed to a Q&A session, which was cut short because of the heavy rain that inaugurated the Chautaqua.

Apart from experiencing yet another eccentricity of American culture, we learned that much of the success of Orson Welles was based on the misinterpretation by critics (he was celebrated as a genius for his progressive work and innovation when really he only tried to cope creatively with a shortage of money for theater productions), that Roosevelt’s New Deal meant a great deal to him, and that he was a real patriot (in Thoreau's sense because he also criticized his government).

Thanks Stephanie and David for sharing this time traveling adventure with us!

by Claudia Schwarz
Austria

Would you like to meet Orson Welles? – Well, sure. Isn’t he dead? – Not tonight.

They call it “Ohio Chautauqua” and the tagline is “Step back in time and celebrate our history … Enjoy the journey.”

(W.C. Fields and Eleanor Roosevelt in action)

Thanks Stephanie and David for sharing this time traveling adventure with us!

State-Building Woes of the U.N. (World Press Review)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:10:00 +0200

The original mandate of the United Nations deemed the sovereignty of states more or less inviolable, yet the organization has expanded its scope to, controversially, include peacekeeping and state-building. The original mandate of the United Nations deemed the sovereignty of states more or less inviolable, yet the organization has expanded its scope to, controversially, include peacekeeping and state-building.

New Media, New Challenge to the old! (Institute for International Journalism)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:18:00 +0200

SURESH ACHARYA

Nepal

After all is the online an ultimate media of the world? Are the other media in saturation? So on declining now? Ask to McLuhan. He once theorized that ‘Medium is the Message.’ The medium is the message is a phrase coined by

Marshall McLuhan meaning that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived. The phrase was introduced in his most widely known book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, published in 1964. McLuhan proposes that a medium

itself, not the content it carries, should be the focus of study. He said that a medium affects the society in which it plays a role not only by the content delivered over the medium, but also by the characteristics of the medium itself.

People did believe him for some time. But neither the print media stop nor the mushroom growth of radio been challenged. Even in the developed countries, his claim did not exist so far. But now! Online is challenging the print media!!! Is it true?

‘We Break the news in online and explain it in the newspaper.’ It is a heartfelt comment made by the editor of The Columbus Dispatch, Benjamin J. Marrisan. It is not an answer of him only, but also of The Plain Dealer daily of Cleveland. Both are facing the same fate. They are losing the audience and the advertisement as well. A newspaper having a history of more than a century is also being challenged by the very new media. Why the print has to face this challenge? Is the McLuhan correct here at least on online?

The answer is it is relative not absolute! In the developed countries because of high tech access to all, other media including radio and television are facing such trouble. The chunk of advertisements has gone to online. As a quick update media, obviously people go to online first. But again the question is: are the audiences satisfied with it and its presentation and performance? Answer may be not much positive.

In developing countries, print media are strong enough. In Nepal’s context, very few people have access to the online. Broadband is in very limited cities. PSTN service is slow. Even though, most of the broadsheet daily has online edition. Online compete for breaking news, they just provide information as eye opener. The next day they present the story in different angle. So print media are more effective and able to give impact to the authorities and the audience. They are long lasting than the TV or the Radio. Access of TV is also limited due to city centered cable service.

The scenario of developed countries is obviously different not only in terms of access but the interest. They have no time to read in detail or uncomforted to buy or subscribe and keep with. They are being habituated with blackberry edition.

It is not a question of survivable financially but the print has less charming and glamorous not only to the audience but also to the media workers as well. So print has to stop the day-to-day events and goes to in-depth stories. They must have to change the pattern of content and presentation to compete with technologically born challenge. Even the developing countries media have start to think.

Shall you!

SURESH ACHARYA

Nepal

Shall you!

A “healthy” communication (Institute for International Journalism)

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:56:00 +0200

by Manuel Ayala
México

Bad (and comfortable) habits die hard: fast food for a fast lifestyle (“grab and go”, “skip breakfast…it´s late”), drive don´t walk (“it´s too hot outside!”), watch more TV (“stay tuned”, “don´t touch that remote”), smoke (“you´ll look glamorous”), get the big meal ("McDonald´s I´m lovin´it"), drink alcohol (“relax… take it easy..it´s friday”)…

How many of these things have been created and promoted by the media? ...all of them! That´s a fact…but, will it be like this forever? The last word is not say yet.

There is an important and emerging area in the communication studies named Health Communication, and we at SUSI 2010, had the chance to know more thanks to a very interesting lecture by Professor Petya Eckler from Missouri University.

Health communication is defined as the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individuals or community decisions that enhance health.

I have seen that some of the typical research topics in this area are: the images of health care in the mass media culture (do medical cases are so exciting as they are represented for example, in Grey´s Anatomy?, what are the most common clichés that appear in non prescription medicine advertising on media, like pain killers?); corporal images (the cult to the extreme skinny bodies in fashion magazines like Vogue), portrayals of obesity (are they represented always as an comic stereotype?), and many more.

Health and media literacy can help in a great way to try to develop rational and critical thinking skills in the audience…healthy mind, healthy body.

How many of these things have been created and promoted by the media? ...all of them! That´s a fact…but, will it be like this forever? The last word is not say yet.

Health communication is defined as the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individuals or community decisions that enhance health.

Health and media literacy can help in a great way to try to develop rational and critical thinking skills in the audience…healthy mind, healthy body.

IFJ Demands Action to Protect Media Staff as Journalist Is Gunned Down in Greece (IFJ Global)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:09:28 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Greek authorities to step up their fight against violence on media after the murder of journalist Socratis Guiolias, who was shot dead by gunmen on Monday morning in Athens. He is believed to be the first journalist murdered by extremist groups in Greece. "We condemn this shocking murder and we call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned in the hunt for his killers," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "This is the latest act in a campaign of terror against journalists. This must not succeed. Already Greek democracy is under threat." According to reports, journalists Socratis Guiola who worked for Thema 9.89 radio station and wrote for the blog Troktiko, was shot several times by three armed men who called at his home in Athens, on Monday morning. When he came out of his house, they fired a volley of shots, killing him instantly. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Greek authorities to step up their fight against violence on media after the murder of journalist Socratis Guiolias, who was shot dead by gunmen on Monday morning in Athens. He is believed to be the first journalist murdered by extremist groups in Greece. "We condemn this shocking murder and we call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned in the hunt for his killers," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "This is the latest act in a campaign of terror against journalists. This must not succeed. Already Greek democracy is under threat." According to reports, journalists Socratis Guiola who worked for Thema 9.89 radio station and wrote for the blog Troktiko, was shot several times by three armed men who called at his home in Athens, on Monday morning. When he came out of his house, they fired a volley of shots, killing him instantly.

The soul of the Little Cities of Black Diamond (Institute for International Journalism)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:56:00 +0200

Nelsonville, Haydenville, Shawnee, Straitsville, Corning…so many places that have been existed since many decades ago, but for me those are new, just discovered, being in that “little cities” has become a fascinating experience.

When I knew the history of that region, the origins of the mineral extraction, the economical success, the braveness of the people, and the devotion for the religion and for the work, I could understand why all those places have the magical touch of the human being.

Being there you can still feel the presence of those men, working hard day by day with the coal, iron ore, clay…trying to take the best of the land to earn their salaries and have a better life with their families, most of them from another countries looking for the dignity of life.

But that experience was not completely new for me, it made me thinking on my grandfather, he was also an immigrant that came to this country and worked in the steel industry for almost four decades…years of hard work and sacrifice to help his family that stayed in México.

The souls of those miners still remains in the streets of those little cities, they refused to go to some other place…maybe because the earth that they worked for many years needs their presence to keep that places as beautiful as they are.

Manuel Ayala

MEXICO

Manuel Ayala

MEXICO

HOCKING VALLEY - DOWN MEMORY LANE (Institute for International Journalism)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:08:00 +0200

“HOCKING VALLEY” - DOWN MEMORY LANE

It is a commendable idea and activity that our entire programme has been interspersed with cultural events from time to time. Yesterday (July 18^th) was such a memorable day which took us on an encouraging trip around Hocking Valley and its picturesque surroundings and tourist places by office bearers of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council, Shawnee, a few kilometers from Athens where we could have a feel of the city’s rich history dating back to the thriving coal-mining days to the efforts of various organizations and institutions including Hocking College towards reviving the tourist interest in this town almost out of scratch.

Throughout the day we had visited places like Hocking town square with the oldest Tavern since the coal days which is still very much in business, the water fountain, the art galleries, Haydenvill Museum, Church, Payne Cemetary, New Straitsille‘s NS Museum.

Important highlights of the day included a stop by the Robinson’s Cave which unveiled the kind of struggle and efforts the early day miners had to put up for negotiating a better life and pay for themselves from the employers.

Further, the walking tour along with the Sunday Creek Associates Story were highly interesting, at least for me because I have also been involved in some similar kind of works back in my community.

Finally, the delicious outdoor dinner treat by the campsite of the Burr Oak Lake was a marvelous finish to the half-a-day-long activity that enriched our experience in addition to energizing us for a new working week at Scripps School, OU.

The opportunity has helped us in knowing quite a few things about this town’s past. And particularly for me, it has shown me a highly potential way of trying to develop places of tourism interest back in my home province in India where we do have a considerable number of such heritage articles, institutions which may become important tourism destinations – helping the local economy as well as exposing them to the world.

This is specially interesting because we are here not only for academic discourses and research. An insight into the cultural aspect of the country is also what we did have in mind. That too being media educators and professionals, such an exposure is highly welcome and desirable for all of us.

SHOPPING SPREE ;

It is quite natural that whenever a person goes on a foreign visit, that too the USA, people back home – family members, friends, colleagues do expect at least some gifts. So yesterday – July 17^th was the D Day sort of a thing for all of us as all the roads necessarily lead to Easton Malls near Cleveland. As usual, even though I am not much of a “shopee” yet I also enjoyed the experience of joining the tide by going on a shopping jamboree along with the others. It was a good experience with so many shops, utility stores and others all within whistling distance from each other. The day was well-spent though the wallet has made a big complaint of yesterday being not its kind of day. We had the ‘shopping time’ of the entire visit and lapped up everything in sight from computers to perfumes for dear ones and toys and video games for kids, testing the patience of Mary, Ed and Armaan to the most possible extent.

BEER FESTIVAL :

Claudia has already given you people at least some idea about the various aspects of the Athens Brew Festival that concluded on July 16^th.Yes, like the Oktoberfest I also expected a whole line up of locally-grown beer varieties at discounted prices with lots of food, merry-making and dancing and singing. Of course though I have never had an opportunity yet to visit Germany to see the Oktoberfest or otherwise, I have heard and read a lot about it leading to a kind of certain image in my mind. (Of course I have visited Germany in the real sense / too literary sense of the term. That is, I waited for periods ranging from a few hours to almost twelve hours while transiting through Frankfurt airport while visiting Canada in 1008 and also the current visit).

But, for me the most important bonus of the Brew festival evening on the concluding day was to have the pleasure of enjoying the company of Beauties of the earlier years – Bugattis, Model Ts, Mustangs, Harley Davidsons of vintage variety as quite a few of them were lined in a ramp show of sorts at the festival venue. This was quite a memorable experience for me and I could not resist a few snaps with them.

I have a special interest in such vintage cars since childhood, becoming more pronounced nowadays maybe because of my own ‘soon-to-be-vintage’ age by being on the upper wrong side of the thirties already.

Another major highlight of the fest evening was the melodious and soothing singing of our very own professor from Scripps School which helped a lot in boosting the spirits of the visitors to a large extent.

Overall it was an enjoyable and memorable experience with the august company of Ed along with Armaan and family.

#SUSI2010

“HOCKING VALLEY” - DOWN MEMORY LANE

Further, the walking tour along with the Sunday Creek Associates Story were highly interesting, at least for me because I have also been involved in some similar kind of works back in my community.

SHOPPING SPREE ;

BEER FESTIVAL :

Overall it was an enjoyable and memorable experience with the august company of Ed along with Armaan and family.

#SUSI2010

New media: Challenge to the Old! (Institute for International Journalism)

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:15:00 +0200

by Suresh Acharya
Nepal

Is online the ultimate media of the world? Are the other media in saturation and declining now? Ask Marshall McLuhan. The medium is the message is a phrase coined by McLuhan meaning that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived.

The phrase was introduced in his most widely known book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, published in 1964. McLuhan proposes that a medium itself, not the content it carries, should be the focus of study. He said that a medium affects the society in which it plays a role not only by the content delivered over the medium, but also by the characteristics of the medium itself. People did believe him for some time. But he was wrong. Print media didn't go away and the mushrooming growth of radio wasn't challenged.

Even in developing countries, his claim did not exist for so long. But now, online is challenging print, and broadcast media! But does that challenge mean the end of traditional media?

"We break the news online and explain it in the newspaper." That was the explanation of how online and print exists together according to the editor of The Columbus Dispatch, Benjamin J. Marrison. And it was not only the answer from the Dispatch, but also what we heard at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Both are facing the same fate. They are losing audience and advertisements as well. A newspaper having a history of more than a century is being challenged by the very new media. Why do newspapers face this challenge? Is the McLuhan correct here at least on online?

The answer is it is relative not an absolute! In the developed countries because of high tech access to all, most traditional media including radio and television are facing such trouble. Many news consumers have gone to online, especially for a quick update. But the question is: are the audiences satisfied with it and its presentation and performance? The answer may be not very positive.

In developing countries, print media are still strong. In Nepal, very few people have access to the online. Broadband is only in very limited cities. Service is slow, but still, most of the broadsheet dailies have online editions. Online competes for breaking news, but it just provides information as an eye opener. The next day newspapers present the story in different angle. So print media are more effective and able to give impact to the authorities and the audience. They are longer lasting than the TV or the Radio. Access to TV is also limited due to city centered cable service.

The scenario of developed countries is obviously different not only in terms of access but the interest. Many Americans claim to have no time to read in detail or find it inconvenient to buy or subscribe and keep the paper handy. They are using their smart phones like Blackberry or iPhone.

It is not just a question of financial survivability, but the print media has less charm and glamor, not only to the audience but also to some media workers as well. So print has to stop the day-to-day events and go to in-depth stories. They must change the pattern of content and presentation to compete with technologically born challenge. Even the developing countries media have start to think about these things.

Shall you?
by Suresh Acharya
Nepal

Is online the ultimate media of the world? Are the other media in saturation and declining now? Ask Marshall McLuhan. The medium is the message is a phrase coined by McLuhan meaning that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived.

The phrase was introduced in his most widely known book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, published in 1964. McLuhan proposes that a medium itself, not the content it carries, should be the focus of study. He said that a medium affects the society in which it plays a role not only by the content delivered over the medium, but also by the characteristics of the medium itself. People did believe him for some time. But he was wrong. Print media didn't go away and the mushrooming growth of radio wasn't challenged.

Even in developing countries, his claim did not exist for so long. But now, online is challenging print, and broadcast media! But does that challenge mean the end of traditional media?

"We break the news online and explain it in the newspaper." That was the explanation of how online and print exists together according to the editor of The Columbus Dispatch, Benjamin J. Marrison. And it was not only the answer from the Dispatch, but also what we heard at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Both are facing the same fate. They are losing audience and advertisements as well. A newspaper having a history of more than a century is being challenged by the very new media. Why do newspapers face this challenge? Is the McLuhan correct here at least on online?

The answer is it is relative not an absolute! In the developed countries because of high tech access to all, most traditional media including radio and television are facing such trouble. Many news consumers have gone to online, especially for a quick update. But the question is: are the audiences satisfied with it and its presentation and performance? The answer may be not very positive.

In developing countries, print media are still strong. In Nepal, very few people have access to the online. Broadband is only in very limited cities. Service is slow, but still, most of the broadsheet dailies have online editions. Online competes for breaking news, but it just provides information as an eye opener. The next day newspapers present the story in different angle. So print media are more effective and able to give impact to the authorities and the audience. They are longer lasting than the TV or the Radio. Access to TV is also limited due to city centered cable service.

The scenario of developed countries is obviously different not only in terms of access but the interest. Many Americans claim to have no time to read in detail or find it inconvenient to buy or subscribe and keep the paper handy. They are using their smart phones like Blackberry or iPhone.

It is not just a question of financial survivability, but the print media has less charm and glamor, not only to the audience but also to some media workers as well. So print has to stop the day-to-day events and go to in-depth stories. They must change the pattern of content and presentation to compete with technologically born challenge. Even the developing countries media have start to think about these things.

Shall you?

We have Come to Take and to Give (Institute for International Journalism)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:45:00 +0200

by Julien Niyingabira
Rwanda

I got my very first lesson at the airport when I was in front of a glass-wall cabin of a U.S. customer officer. He was speaking in "American" with a nasal accent and I couldn't hear what he was saying to me.

"What?" I asked.
He looked at me and started to move repetitively his white pen between his fingers and watched me without saying a word.

"Is it it your first time to U.S.?", he finally asked.
"Yes Sir"
"Then a word of advice, you should know that 'what' is a very bad word. Use 'excuse me' or any other more polite form".

I was feeling humiliated and very shocked that my first experience in U.S. was not being polite enough. But I appreciated the lesson and I personally think that a quite considerable number of Americans need to pass through somewhere in Newark Airport to take the same lesson.

For me, I try my best to put this into practice and I'm doing well.
"We have come to take and to give" one of my colleagues in the SUSI program said a few days ago. Danjuma Gambo from Nigeria. This is a sentence very easy to construct but it is a sentence full of wisdom and it expresses in less than ten words far more than a thousand hours that we are supposed to spend in this country.

So far I have learned a lot on USA media systems and cultural aspects and on other countries represented in this program. Now I know that I should never tell a Macedonian that Alexander The Great was a Greek. No way. No matter how much my history teacher has repeated this to me in high school, I have found another version of this history. And I have looked at the Israel-Palestinian conflict through a Palestinian perspective.

I really feel I have "taken" something so far. I would love to give something as well. A lot of thanks to some of my colleagues who have largely sympathized on the dark history of my country, the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. I would like to thank them.

But there is one question to which you will hardly find an answer from most of Rwandans the world all over! Eugene Kwibuka is a Rwandan journalist and a couple of years ago he was invited on a live interview at a Canadian television channel CBC. "Could you tell us whether you are Hutu or Tutsi?" the host of the show asked him. The man caught fire in his eyes and hardly kept himself away from being overwhelmed by his own reaction to this normal question of the journalist. At the end of all, he didn't give any small piece of the answer to the question, no matter how many times the host had tried to reformulate it. That's how it is for most of Rwandans.

As giving brings more happiness than receiving, please accept this little more gift: I have discussed a lot with SUSI 2010 participants about different experiences in our respective countries. But always when it came to my country I had to answer to questions like "Is it safe to go to Rwanda?" Come on! It's been a half generation since this question had its right place to be asked. We should, instead, discuss our incredibly delicious coffee, our beautiful mountain gorillas and our weather which lets every plant flourish during the whole year.

"Wow you live in paradise," Amani from Bahrain flattered me.

So as Gambo from Nigeria stated that we have come to take and to give, this will be my Sunday gift to all of my readers who still prevent themselves from having the best holidays tracking the mountain gorillas or watching the sunset on the gorgeous Lake Kivu.
by Julien Niyingabira
Rwanda

I got my very first lesson at the airport when I was in front of a glass-wall cabin of a U.S. customer officer. He was speaking in "American" with a nasal accent and I couldn't hear what he was saying to me.

"What?" I asked.
He looked at me and started to move repetitively his white pen between his fingers and watched me without saying a word.

"Is it it your first time to U.S.?", he finally asked.
"Yes Sir"
"Then a word of advice, you should know that 'what' is a very bad word. Use 'excuse me' or any other more polite form".

I was feeling humiliated and very shocked that my first experience in U.S. was not being polite enough. But I appreciated the lesson and I personally think that a quite considerable number of Americans need to pass through somewhere in Newark Airport to take the same lesson.

For me, I try my best to put this into practice and I'm doing well.
"We have come to take and to give" one of my colleagues in the SUSI program said a few days ago. Danjuma Gambo from Nigeria. This is a sentence very easy to construct but it is a sentence full of wisdom and it expresses in less than ten words far more than a thousand hours that we are supposed to spend in this country.

So far I have learned a lot on USA media systems and cultural aspects and on other countries represented in this program. Now I know that I should never tell a Macedonian that Alexander The Great was a Greek. No way. No matter how much my history teacher has repeated this to me in high school, I have found another version of this history. And I have looked at the Israel-Palestinian conflict through a Palestinian perspective.

I really feel I have "taken" something so far. I would love to give something as well. A lot of thanks to some of my colleagues who have largely sympathized on the dark history of my country, the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. I would like to thank them.

But there is one question to which you will hardly find an answer from most of Rwandans the world all over! Eugene Kwibuka is a Rwandan journalist and a couple of years ago he was invited on a live interview at a Canadian television channel CBC. "Could you tell us whether you are Hutu or Tutsi?" the host of the show asked him. The man caught fire in his eyes and hardly kept himself away from being overwhelmed by his own reaction to this normal question of the journalist. At the end of all, he didn't give any small piece of the answer to the question, no matter how many times the host had tried to reformulate it. That's how it is for most of Rwandans.

As giving brings more happiness than receiving, please accept this little more gift: I have discussed a lot with SUSI 2010 participants about different experiences in our respective countries. But always when it came to my country I had to answer to questions like "Is it safe to go to Rwanda?" Come on! It's been a half generation since this question had its right place to be asked. We should, instead, discuss our incredibly delicious coffee, our beautiful mountain gorillas and our weather which lets every plant flourish during the whole year.

"Wow you live in paradise," Amani from Bahrain flattered me.

So as Gambo from Nigeria stated that we have come to take and to give, this will be my Sunday gift to all of my readers who still prevent themselves from having the best holidays tracking the mountain gorillas or watching the sunset on the gorgeous Lake Kivu.

BP's Other Disaster (continued) (World Press Review)

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:06:00 +0200

The United States and the United Kingdom have a long history of trying to play puppeteer with Middle Eastern countries in the interest of natural resources, a history that is far from written. The United States and the United Kingdom have a long history of trying to play puppeteer with Middle Eastern countries in the interest of natural resources, a history that is far from written.

Think twice… or million times before using the washing machine, especially in Athens!!! (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:40:00 +0200

If you don’t want to lose your expensive clothes... learn the lesson from those who lost

First of all, don’t trust the technology,
Second: don’t start washing your expensive clothes, wash the underwear first, and then see if it’s ok.
Third: don’t use the washing soup before you put the water.
Fourth: if you missed the lesson and lost your expensive clothes, don't tell anybody, no blogging or twetting ... somebody did that before!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, if you missed the lesson again... >i'm sure you will miss it sometime.>... don't be shy to wear your clothes, and if somebody asks you >> don't explain what happened, just say: it's a new fashion

See you guys in the next lesson>> if i'm not going to miss Blogging...> or if somebody has the lesson before me
إلى اللقاء في الحلقة القادمة
If you don’t want to lose your expensive clothes... learn the lesson from those who lost

First of all, don’t trust the technology,
Second: don’t start washing your expensive clothes, wash the underwear first, and then see if it’s ok.
Third: don’t use the washing soup before you put the water.
Fourth: if you missed the lesson and lost your expensive clothes, don't tell anybody, no blogging or twetting ... somebody did that before!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, if you missed the lesson again... >i'm sure you will miss it sometime.>... don't be shy to wear your clothes, and if somebody asks you >> don't explain what happened, just say: it's a new fashion

See you guys in the next lesson>> if i'm not going to miss Blogging...> or if somebody has the lesson before me
إلى اللقاء في الحلقة القادمة

Think twice… or million times before using the washing machine, especially in Athens!!! (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:43:00 +0200

By: Mohammed Abualrob, Palestine

If you don’t want to lose your expensive clothes... learn the lesson from those who lost

First of all, don’t trust the technology,
Second: don’t start washing your expensive clothes, wash the underwear first, and then see if it’s ok.
Third: don’t use the washing soup before you put the water.
Fourth: if you missed the lesson and lost your expensive clothes, don't tell anybody, no blogging or twetting ... somebody did that before!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, if you missed the lesson again... >i'm sure you will miss it sometime.>... don't be shy to wear your clothes, and if somebody asks you >> don't explain what happened, just say: it's a new fashion

See you guys in the next lesson>> if i'm not going to miss Blogging...> or if somebody has the lesson before me
إلى اللقاء في الحلقة القادمة

Addicted to Cars (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:19:00 +0200

By Outi Hakola, Finland

For me American culture is astoundingly addicted to its cars. Although I have a driver’s license, I don’t own a car. I walk to the supermarket and I use public transportation. When travelling within Europe I don’t even rent a car, because I love the local color of trams, busses, subways and trains.

When compared, therefore, American lifestyle is dependent on cars. Everyone is supposed to have one, and not any car, but the car that suites your personality. Indeed, during the summer cruises people don’t seem to only show off their cars, they show off their personalities, desires, backgrounds, interests and styles as well.

Moreover, culture’s relationship to cars is more than the personal relationships between the owners and the objects. Cars have shaped the US culture and society at deeper levels as well. And by this I’m not only referring to economic questions of automobile industry in US, or both political and economic questions in securing oil sources and creating self-sufficiency. Instead, I’m astonished by how the architecture, landscapes and consumer culture all revolve around automobiles.

For example, whereas in my own culture parking is difficult in city centers, in here the first thing you can find in any down town is a car park – at least one for each block, so that no extra-exercise is required. Furthermore, most services and shops are surrounded by large parking spaces, so that you can drive from one shop to the next, one drive-in to the next. I suppose, if you really come to think of it, probably the only service most US cars lack is the restrooms. Otherwise you could spend your whole day inside the car, without actually going into the world, without taking in all the sounds, smells and colors of the world outside your secure and familiar vehicles.

For me being without a car is a political choice, both in terms of environmental and health issues. But if I would live in United States, or at least in more rural areas of this country, this choice would not even be an option, so deeply and truly has this culture become as one with its cars. Therefore, before I can become Americanized I suppose I have to try to create a warmer relationship with cars. During my time here, so far the warmest memory linked to any motorcar is my hotel room - 313 - in Pittsburgh. After all, that is Donald Duck’s license plate, and how more American automobile experience can I expect from a hotel?By Outi Hakola, Finland

For me American culture is astoundingly addicted to its cars. Although I have a driver’s license, I don’t own a car. I walk to the supermarket and I use public transportation. When travelling within Europe I don’t even rent a car, because I love the local color of trams, busses, subways and trains.

When compared, therefore, American lifestyle is dependent on cars. Everyone is supposed to have one, and not any car, but the car that suites your personality. Indeed, during the summer cruises people don’t seem to only show off their cars, they show off their personalities, desires, backgrounds, interests and styles as well.

Moreover, culture’s relationship to cars is more than the personal relationships between the owners and the objects. Cars have shaped the US culture and society at deeper levels as well. And by this I’m not only referring to economic questions of automobile industry in US, or both political and economic questions in securing oil sources and creating self-sufficiency. Instead, I’m astonished by how the architecture, landscapes and consumer culture all revolve around automobiles.

For example, whereas in my own culture parking is difficult in city centers, in here the first thing you can find in any down town is a car park – at least one for each block, so that no extra-exercise is required. Furthermore, most services and shops are surrounded by large parking spaces, so that you can drive from one shop to the next, one drive-in to the next. I suppose, if you really come to think of it, probably the only service most US cars lack is the restrooms. Otherwise you could spend your whole day inside the car, without actually going into the world, without taking in all the sounds, smells and colors of the world outside your secure and familiar vehicles.

For me being without a car is a political choice, both in terms of environmental and health issues. But if I would live in United States, or at least in more rural areas of this country, this choice would not even be an option, so deeply and truly has this culture become as one with its cars. Therefore, before I can become Americanized I suppose I have to try to create a warmer relationship with cars. During my time here, so far the warmest memory linked to any motorcar is my hotel room - 313 - in Pittsburgh. After all, that is Donald Duck’s license plate, and how more American automobile experience can I expect from a hotel?

HI FROM ABHIJIT - THE VOICE OF INDIA (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:42:00 +0200

“Country roads – take me home – mountain Mama, West Varginia ---- “

While going to and from Cleveland / Pittsburg through the picturesque hills and wide expanses of grasslands and maize farming / forests I could not but help remembering these lines from the famous number of John Denver who was my favourite.

This has been a dream come true for me. Being a man from Journalism I always wanted strongly to visit the USA – among the top defenders of freedom of expression in the world and see from the closest possible range how it was sustained. So when I was selected form the Study Tour I knew that my dream would e realized.

And, once in the country and being a part of a such delightful, energetic, resourceful and understanding people from across the world I know this is a lifetime opportunity for me. Not only to know about the US media and other cultural aspects. But also I would be able to know so many things from my colleagues from seventeen countries spanning each of the continents, almost.

The lectures, demonstrations, cultural tour to nearby places as well as Cleveland, Pittsburg, the opera, informal interaction with faculty members and other experts are converting this study tour into a beneficial activity to the optimum extent. Gratitude goes to the group of our organizers every member of which has been leaving no stones unturned to make the programme a grand success and make us feel comfortable at every step.

Another interesting aspect for me personally is that it is not for nothing that it is said that this is a small world. This is because coming here I find that Suresh babu (Nepal is a neighbouring country) understands Hindi which is my national language and I feel at ease to a big extent in speaking in this language. Again, with Mofijur I can share quite a few words in Bangla and we both are somewhat familiar with each other’s country and culture. After all, we were part of the same country before 1947. Then there is Juliene who asked me about a very popular and nice song in Hindi – Made in India on our first interaction and asks me about our films in Hindi which are highly popular in Rwanda. In fact, this song which is a favourite of mine also used to be a household song in the 1990s. I was quite surprised when Juliene specifically enquired about this particular song.

That was, even Gambo and Kenny have surprised me by telling me that Hindi films are highly popular in their countries also. Though I knew that these were popular in many of the countries in middle-east and several of the former USSR constituents I did not know that this was so even in some of the African nations. I am proud of both to be an Indian as well as this ‘cultural bonding’ which is a much more cementing factor for enriching our ties.

Incidentally, the national airliner of Indonesia (Nurul’s homeland) is Garuda – a giant mythological bird mentioned in Ramayana who was follower of the legendary character Ram.

Initially, before joining the group I was not exactly sure whether I would be able to mix up with the team. But after coming here I find to my surprise that it is absolutely fine.

To speak about other aspects, the kings who ruled the part of India to which I belong to for about six long centuries migrated from Pirongrong’s country in the 12^th century which my mother belongs.

The first time I talked to Nicole I asked her about cricket legends Viv Richards and Courtney Walsh – the people who have introduced me to this nice country of West Indies right in my school days.

So it is seen that we already are enjoying a certain amount of fraternity amongst us which would be more cemented by this opportunity to be spending one-and-a-half month of close proximity.

Now, coming to the field of interests to pursue here, I am committed to ‘narrowcasting’ as well as community media because I believe the huge ‘mass media’ are not being able to do justice for the masses in countries like India where a good majority of the population are not adequately literate and needs a smoother flow of information according to specific requirements.

Even though I had been thinking of this country (USA) as a Mecca of big mass media yet after getting to know about Public TV and Radio, more so after visiting WQED in Cleveland and meeting its journalists and also the Public TV journalist at Ohio Senate made me think differently about its importance and utility which could be applied for my country also.

Besides, one very important aspect of the US media attracts and makes me like it is the ‘regional / local’ nature of the media as majority of the newspapers, TV / Radio stations are happy to be catering to the immediate neighbourhood rather than trying to grab the entire national audience with it products. In India, we do have a mix of both nationwide as well as regional media outlets.

And in India also, nowadays large scale concentration of media houses is becoming the order of the day in the name of ‘cost cutting’ and offering a better fare to the audiences.

These are some of the issues I look forward to learning during my study tour.

Further, this is needless to say that I am already highly impressed to be able to enjoy the serene knowledge-pursuit-encouraging atmosphere of a US university campus like that of Ohio Univ. This is a great boost to my knowledge pursuit at even while being at the wrong side of the thirties already even though Shakespeare said that life began at forty.

“Country roads – take me home – mountain Mama, West Varginia ---- “

Incidentally, the national airliner of Indonesia (Nurul’s homeland) is Garuda – a giant mythological bird mentioned in Ramayana who was follower of the legendary character Ram.

Initially, before joining the group I was not exactly sure whether I would be able to mix up with the team. But after coming here I find to my surprise that it is absolutely fine.

The first time I talked to Nicole I asked her about cricket legends Viv Richards and Courtney Walsh – the people who have introduced me to this nice country of West Indies right in my school days.

So it is seen that we already are enjoying a certain amount of fraternity amongst us which would be more cemented by this opportunity to be spending one-and-a-half month of close proximity.

And in India also, nowadays large scale concentration of media houses is becoming the order of the day in the name of ‘cost cutting’ and offering a better fare to the audiences.

These are some of the issues I look forward to learning during my study tour.

Beer Festival (Institute for International Journalism)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:26:00 +0200

by Claudia Schwarz, Austria
What do you expect when you hear "Beer Festival"? I think of Oktoberfest, lots of beer, big tent, annoying loud drunkards, people dancing on tables, and lousy, loud music. The advertisement of the Ohio Brew Week Festival actually draws a parallel to the German beer festival: "One of the two week-long beer-centric festivals in the world (the other is in Germany)."
Well, apparently, I couldn't have been more mistaken.

First of all, there was a small vintage car and motobike show. It was neat but I'm still trying to figure out the connection between motor vehicles and beer (help, anyone?). As we got to the 'actual' festival, one of the bars was out of beer (at a beer festival, hello!?), the tent was tiny and only indicated where to buy tickets, there were no drunkards (hardly surprising given the fact that they went out of beer), no people dancing on tables, and - last but not least - the music was great! So I cannot exactly say that I was disappointed, because I wasn't, but it was certainly nothing like the beer festival I had expected (and, I have to add, that's not a bad thing at all!).
We received those neat, orange wristbands indicating that we were over 21 and finally managed to buy beer; however, the whole evening wasn't really about the beer because the real attraction of the festival was "The Bob Stewart Band," starring the Director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Great music and we certainly had a good time! - Until about 9.15 p.m. because that's when the whole thing ended; does anyone else think that's ... early?

by Claudia Schwarz, Austria
What do you expect when you hear "Beer Festival"? I think of Oktoberfest, lots of beer, big tent, annoying loud drunkards, people dancing on tables, and lousy, loud music. The advertisement of the Ohio Brew Week Festival actually draws a parallel to the German beer festival: "One of the two week-long beer-centric festivals in the world (the other is in Germany)."
Well, apparently, I couldn't have been more mistaken.

First of all, there was a small vintage car and motobike show. It was neat but I'm still trying to figure out the connection between motor vehicles and beer (help, anyone?). As we got to the 'actual' festival, one of the bars was out of beer (at a beer festival, hello!?), the tent was tiny and only indicated where to buy tickets, there were no drunkards (hardly surprising given the fact that they went out of beer), no people dancing on tables, and - last but not least - the music was great! So I cannot exactly say that I was disappointed, because I wasn't, but it was certainly nothing like the beer festival I had expected (and, I have to add, that's not a bad thing at all!).
We received those neat, orange wristbands indicating that we were over 21 and finally managed to buy beer; however, the whole evening wasn't really about the beer because the real attraction of the festival was "The Bob Stewart Band," starring the Director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Great music and we certainly had a good time! - Until about 9.15 p.m. because that's when the whole thing ended; does anyone else think that's ... early?

IFJ Condemns Murders of Journalists in Mexico (IFJ Global)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:41:20 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said impunity which is fueling violence against journalists has reached intolerable levels in Mexico after two more journalists were murdered in a single day last week, bringing to 12 the number of media targeted killings in 2010. According to reports, Marco Aurelio Martinez, 45, director of news programme "Informativo 800" of Radio La Tremenda of Montemorelos, municiple of Nuevo Leon, was abducted by unidentified men and his body found on Saturday 10 July abandoned on a local track. He had been shot in the head. The same day, Guillermo Trejo Alcaraz, 24, was murdered in the state of Chihuahua by a group of hit men. Alcazar who used to work as a graphic reporter was the director of the Web Television of the State Commission of Human Rights. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said impunity which is fueling violence against journalists has reached intolerable levels in Mexico after two more journalists were murdered in a single day last week, bringing to 12 the number of media targeted killings in 2010. According to reports, Marco Aurelio Martinez, 45, director of news programme "Informativo 800" of Radio La Tremenda of Montemorelos, municiple of Nuevo Leon, was abducted by unidentified men and his body found on Saturday 10 July abandoned on a local track. He had been shot in the head. The same day, Guillermo Trejo Alcaraz, 24, was murdered in the state of Chihuahua by a group of hit men. Alcazar who used to work as a graphic reporter was the director of the Web Television of the State Commission of Human Rights.

Monitoring Change in Journalism - What's New (IFJ Global)

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:40 +0200

14 July Australia : Online Marketplace Launched for Freelancers Creates Loopholes for Authors' Rights Freelance journalists, photographers and cartoonists can now trade their content online in a new online market place founded in Australia . Freelancers can upload their work to Globizzle.com free of charge and sell the content at a price they set. The site will take a 10% of the sale proceeds. Authors can also set the terms and conditions, including the option for an exclusive licence, for the use of their work. However, purchasers are not obliged to credit authors for their work : they can alter the content under the terms and conditions of the website, and the "non-exclusive licence" can allow purchasers to legally alter 20% of the content. http://www.journalism.co.uk/2/articles/539602.php http://www.globizzle.com/index. 14 July Australia : Online Marketplace Launched for Freelancers Creates Loopholes for Authors' Rights Freelance journalists, photographers and cartoonists can now trade their content online in a new online market place founded in Australia . Freelancers can upload their work to Globizzle.com free of charge and sell the content at a price they set. The site will take a 10% of the sale proceeds. Authors can also set the terms and conditions, including the option for an exclusive licence, for the use of their work. However, purchasers are not obliged to credit authors for their work : they can alter the content under the terms and conditions of the website, and the "non-exclusive licence" can allow purchasers to legally alter 20% of the content. http://www.journalism.co.uk/2/articles/539602.php http://www.globizzle.com/index.

BP's Other Disaster (World Press Review)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:59:00 +0200

BP is not new to making a mess. Sixty years ago the oil company helped oust Iran's popularly elected government, and the blood and chaos has been spilling in the Middle East ever since. BP is not new to making a mess. Sixty years ago the oil company helped oust Iran's popularly elected government, and the blood and chaos has been spilling in the Middle East ever since.

Birthday party with the taste of Humos and Falafel (Institute for International Journalism)

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:23:00 +0200

Having friends from 18 countries in two weeks is a great chance and wealthy experience. The amazing thing in the subject is not only in having them all in celebrating of my birthday, but also having a nice table of Palestinian food in Arabian restaurant in Cleveland.

Claudia, one of my colleagues in SUSI project in Ohio University had also a birthday in a day before my birthday, it was a great night to celebrate two birthdays and having fun with the rhythm of Arabian music.
Ps: smoking Argela

Although It’s the second year that I celebrate my birthday out of Palestine, I Have a lot of fun and a great experience, all of my colleagues were glad in testing Arabian food specially; Humos, Falafel and Kebbi.

I wish that I can invite all of my colleagues to Palestine as soon as we get our independence and have the right to travel around our cities and towns.

شكرا لكم جميعا أصدقائي

Having friends from 18 countries in two weeks is a great chance and wealthy experience. The amazing thing in the subject is not only in having them all in celebrating of my birthday, but also having a nice table of Palestinian food in Arabian restaurant in Cleveland.

Claudia, one of my colleagues in SUSI project in Ohio University had also a birthday in a day before my birthday, it was a great night to celebrate two birthdays and having fun with the rhythm of Arabian music.
Ps: smoking Argela

Although It’s the second year that I celebrate my birthday out of Palestine, I Have a lot of fun and a great experience, all of my colleagues were glad in testing Arabian food specially; Humos, Falafel and Kebbi.

I wish that I can invite all of my colleagues to Palestine as soon as we get our independence and have the right to travel around our cities and towns.

شكرا لكم جميعا أصدقائي

How to spend your birthday, and how not to (Institute for International Journalism)

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:16:00 +0200

by Claudia Schwarz

So it happened to be my birthday this week while we were in Cleveland. And what I would like to share with everyone is what I learned from this birthday in the form of a "what to do" and "what not to do" list:

What not to do on your birthday:

be upset about things you can’t change
follow the lead of someone who has a bad sense of orientation
attend a tour of a facility that feels like you’ve had it before
wait around for people, vans, better times, or whatever it was we were waiting for

And here is the much better list:

What to do on your birthday:

have waffels and fresh fruit for breakfast
have 20 people from 17 different countries congratulate you
get a card signed by everyone with good wishes in languages you can’t even read
get a bar of your very favorite chocolate as a present (how on earth did you know that??)
have Gambo sing happy birthday to you
receive messages from friends and family back home
have someone with a 6th sense tell you that your life will make a wonderful turn – and believe it
sit on the newsdesk of a top-rated TV station
sit on the table in front of the big screen next to the director during a live news TV broadcast
tell a stranger that it is your birthday
buy something because it’s beautiful and you like it (and you can afford it)
get a 20% discount just because it is your birthday
walk over a bridge during sunset in a light summer rain
have a wonderful 3-course dinner (in a Palestine restaurant) and share meals with new friends from all over the world, have a nice glass of cabernet (and pay less than 25$ for everything)
trust other people in making your birthday special
share your birthday with someone else and celebrate from one birthday into the next one
get a big birthday cake together with Mohammed and have everyone sing happy birthday once more
blow out candles
make a really good wish
do somerhing you have never done before (within reason)
dance
be happy, humble, and grateful and enjoy all the small things in life

The bottom line is, I had a special birthday and most certainly one to remember. Thank you, everyone!

by Claudia Schwarz

What not to do on your birthday:

be upset about things you can’t change
follow the lead of someone who has a bad sense of orientation
attend a tour of a facility that feels like you’ve had it before
wait around for people, vans, better times, or whatever it was we were waiting for

And here is the much better list:

What to do on your birthday:

have waffels and fresh fruit for breakfast
have 20 people from 17 different countries congratulate you
get a card signed by everyone with good wishes in languages you can’t even read
get a bar of your very favorite chocolate as a present (how on earth did you know that??)
have Gambo sing happy birthday to you
receive messages from friends and family back home
have someone with a 6th sense tell you that your life will make a wonderful turn – and believe it
sit on the newsdesk of a top-rated TV station
sit on the table in front of the big screen next to the director during a live news TV broadcast
tell a stranger that it is your birthday
buy something because it’s beautiful and you like it (and you can afford it)
get a 20% discount just because it is your birthday
walk over a bridge during sunset in a light summer rain
have a wonderful 3-course dinner (in a Palestine restaurant) and share meals with new friends from all over the world, have a nice glass of cabernet (and pay less than 25$ for everything)
trust other people in making your birthday special
share your birthday with someone else and celebrate from one birthday into the next one
get a big birthday cake together with Mohammed and have everyone sing happy birthday once more
blow out candles
make a really good wish
do somerhing you have never done before (within reason)
dance
be happy, humble, and grateful and enjoy all the small things in life

The bottom line is, I had a special birthday and most certainly one to remember. Thank you, everyone!

Hydro-Politics in the Arab World (World Press Review)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0200

Not unlike the role oil has played, water is going to be increasingly important in determining power-sharing strategies and political alliances in the Middle East. Not unlike the role oil has played, water is going to be increasingly important in determining power-sharing strategies and political alliances in the Middle East.

IFJ Pays Tribute to Leading Cameroonian Journalist Killed in Car Accident in US (IFJ Global)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:45:48 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today added its voice to that of journalists in Africa and around the world who have been shocked by the news of the death of leading Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe who has been killed in a car accident in the United States. "Pius Njawe was a great friend of press freedom and also a loyal supporter of journalists, not just in Africa, but around the world," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "As an editor he was courageous and as an employer of journalists he always respected the need for decent working conditions -- one of the key foundations of a democratic media culture. We mourn his loss and we send our sympathy to the journalists of Cameroon." According to press reports, Njawe was killed on Monday 12 July as the car he was travelling in broke down on the free way and was hit from behind by a truck, killing him and another passenger. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today added its voice to that of journalists in Africa and around the world who have been shocked by the news of the death of leading Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe who has been killed in a car accident in the United States. "Pius Njawe was a great friend of press freedom and also a loyal supporter of journalists, not just in Africa, but around the world," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "As an editor he was courageous and as an employer of journalists he always respected the need for decent working conditions -- one of the key foundations of a democratic media culture. We mourn his loss and we send our sympathy to the journalists of Cameroon." According to press reports, Njawe was killed on Monday 12 July as the car he was travelling in broke down on the free way and was hit from behind by a truck, killing him and another passenger.

EFJ Newsletter, July 2010 (IFJ Global)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:10:16 +0200

EFJ Focus is a monthly bulletin of the European Federation of Journalists, produced by the Secretariat in Brussels. Further Information: Tel: 32-2-235.22.15/02 Fax: 32-2-235.22.19 E-mail: marc.gruber@ifj.org and renate.schroeder@ifj.org EFJ Focus is a monthly bulletin of the European Federation of Journalists, produced by the Secretariat in Brussels. Further Information: Tel: 32-2-235.22.15/02 Fax: 32-2-235.22.19 E-mail: marc.gruber@ifj.org and renate.schroeder@ifj.org

IFJ Condemns kidnapping of Nigerian Journalists' Union Officials (IFJ Global)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:33:56 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the kidnapping of four officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), following an armed attack on two NUJ vehicles yesterday. Wahaab Oba, Chariman of NUJ Lagos State council, Adolphus Oknokwo, NUJ Secretary Zone G, Sylvester Okereke, NUJ Assistant Secretary Lagos State, Shola Oyeyipo of NUJ Lagos State Council and their driver Azeez Yekini were abducted by gunmen who ambushed the two vehicles outside the Eastern city of Aba. Seven union members occupying the other car escaped unharmed. "We are shocked by this brutal attack against our Nigerian colleagues and deeply worried for their immediate safety," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa. "We demand the authorities do everything they can to ensure they are released quickly and unharmed." The NUJ members were returning from a meeting of the national executive in the Southern city of Uyo when they were caught in the ambush. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the kidnapping of four officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), following an armed attack on two NUJ vehicles yesterday. Wahaab Oba, Chariman of NUJ Lagos State council, Adolphus Oknokwo, NUJ Secretary Zone G, Sylvester Okereke, NUJ Assistant Secretary Lagos State, Shola Oyeyipo of NUJ Lagos State Council and their driver Azeez Yekini were abducted by gunmen who ambushed the two vehicles outside the Eastern city of Aba. Seven union members occupying the other car escaped unharmed. "We are shocked by this brutal attack against our Nigerian colleagues and deeply worried for their immediate safety," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa. "We demand the authorities do everything they can to ensure they are released quickly and unharmed." The NUJ members were returning from a meeting of the national executive in the Southern city of Uyo when they were caught in the ambush.

IFJ Calls on United States to Withdraw "Perverse" Bar on Colombian Journalist (IFJ Global)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:57:57 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the United States to lift a travel ban on a leading Colombian journalist who has risked his life to expose terrorism, warning of a "grave injustice" that may increase the dangers facing the reporter. Hollman Morris, who has armed guards to protect him in Colombia, has been a fearless reporter of terrorism in the country but he has enraged some of Colombia's political leaders by his exposure of both right and left wing links with terrorist groups. Now, in a bizarre reading of American anti-terrorism law, he has himself been dubbed "a terrorist" and consequently refused a visa to enter the United States where he was due to take up a distinguished Neiman Foundation fellowship with Harvard University last month. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the United States to lift a travel ban on a leading Colombian journalist who has risked his life to expose terrorism, warning of a "grave injustice" that may increase the dangers facing the reporter. Hollman Morris, who has armed guards to protect him in Colombia, has been a fearless reporter of terrorism in the country but he has enraged some of Colombia's political leaders by his exposure of both right and left wing links with terrorist groups. Now, in a bizarre reading of American anti-terrorism law, he has himself been dubbed "a terrorist" and consequently refused a visa to enter the United States where he was due to take up a distinguished Neiman Foundation fellowship with Harvard University last month.

An Arabian Night (Institute for International Journalism)

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:06:00 +0200

Much kudos to Muhammed who took the group to an Arabian restaurant in Cleveland tonight. It proved to be an Arabian Night indeed.

The ambiance was perfect; the only thing missing was Aladdin, a flying carpet and a genie.

As Claudia celebrated her birthday and Mohammed prepared to celebrate his at the stroke of midnight, the night came alive with laughter, excellent middle-eastern cuisine mixed with American flavours, tango music and a general atmosphere of goodwill and fun.

The cultural milieu was intoxicating. The setting was Arabian but everyone introduced a bit of his or her own flavour. It was a night to remember indeed.

Happy birthday Claudia and Muhammed!
عيد ميلاد سعيد
alles Gute zum Geburtstag

By: Nicole Cameron
Jamaica

Much kudos to Muhammed who took the group to an Arabian restaurant in Cleveland tonight. It proved to be an Arabian Night indeed.

The ambiance was perfect; the only thing missing was Aladdin, a flying carpet and a genie.

As Claudia celebrated her birthday and Mohammed prepared to celebrate his at the stroke of midnight, the night came alive with laughter, excellent middle-eastern cuisine mixed with American flavours, tango music and a general atmosphere of goodwill and fun.

The cultural milieu was intoxicating. The setting was Arabian but everyone introduced a bit of his or her own flavour. It was a night to remember indeed.

Happy birthday Claudia and Muhammed!
عيد ميلاد سعيد
alles Gute zum Geburtstag

By: Nicole Cameron
Jamaica

Italian Journalists in National Silent Strike Action (IFJ Global)

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:56:50 +0200

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and today issued its support to Italian journalists who have organised an exceptional 24 hour Day of Silence. Journalists across Italy are refusing to work in a massive protest against the Berlusconi ‘Wiretapping Bill' that would ban journalists from reporting on judicial investigations. "We have organised the Day of Silence to demonstrate what could happen if the wiretapping Bill was implemented," said Franco Siddi, General Secretary of the Federazione Nationale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI) and Executive Committee Member of the International Federation of Journalists. "Italian Journalists have fallen silent because the government wants to silence them". Actions include: Newspaper Journalists refused to work on 8 July so that today most papers were not published. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and today issued its support to Italian journalists who have organised an exceptional 24 hour Day of Silence. Journalists across Italy are refusing to work in a massive protest against the Berlusconi ‘Wiretapping Bill' that would ban journalists from reporting on judicial investigations. "We have organised the Day of Silence to demonstrate what could happen if the wiretapping Bill was implemented," said Franco Siddi, General Secretary of the Federazione Nationale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI) and Executive Committee Member of the International Federation of Journalists. "Italian Journalists have fallen silent because the government wants to silence them". Actions include: Newspaper Journalists refused to work on 8 July so that today most papers were not published.

Options for New-Generation Journalists: MoJo and EnJo (Institute for International Journalism)

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:35:00 +0200

by Pirongrong Ramasoota
Thailand

“Google should be banned in journalism schools, if you ask me,” according to Benjamin J. Marrison, editor of the Columbus Dispatch, the 139-year-old newspaper that has been the dominant mainstream daily newspaper in Columbus, Ohio in contemporary history.

Marrison is highly critical of the “search-engining” nature of new-blood journalists who are, in his eyes, “efficient but lazy” and “fast but shallow.”

Evidently, the editor of this long-established publication does not admire the new phenomenon of journalism which reflects rising expectations for a “MoJo” a.k.a. mobile journalist.

A “MoJo” is a professional journalist who does all of the following almost simultaneously: taking notes, videotaping interviews and pictures, recording sound, sending SMS news via mobile phone or twitter, writing for different media, producing a journalistic piece that is applicable to all media platforms, creating personal as well as media blogs, and being active on online forums.

While Marrison does not dispute that upcoming reporters need to be technologically savvy, he still stresses a critical and curious mind that understands the labor and the craft of journalism. To him, old school skills of grammar, composition, and critical thinking as well as knowledge of the world and principal areas of their beats are key.

But more than possessing these valuable attributes, this editor also thinks that future journalists should also possess new ideas about information dissemination, or better yet, cutting edge ideas that will help shore up the ailing industry to the next level.

In other words, forthcoming reporters should also be EnJos or entrepreneurial journalists.

EnJos are journalists who know how to sustain the business of news and take this task into their own hands. In fact, a number of journalism schools have already picked up this trend. Journalism schools at CUNY and UC-Berkeley, and here at OU, for instance, have developed course with such titles as entrepreneurial journalism or journalism and online business models.

But are there things that Marrison might have overlooked?

Professional journalism has always thrived on the basis of a clear separation between the business and the editorial departments. If one is to become an EnJo, chances are the invisible wall between business and journalism will come crumbling down. That nagging question of conflict of interest will become highly visible as journalists begin to treat advertising as content and to balance business needs with integrity of editorial operation.

More importantly, if economic survival becomes a professional theme, how can one be sure that journalists will be able to maintain that much-desired watchdog role? Will this new trend turn them from watchdog to hunting dogs?

After all, hunting dogs, particularly ones that hunt to survive, will not watch out for anything but their prey!by Pirongrong Ramasoota
Thailand

“Google should be banned in journalism schools, if you ask me,” according to Benjamin J. Marrison, editor of the Columbus Dispatch, the 139-year-old newspaper that has been the dominant mainstream daily newspaper in Columbus, Ohio in contemporary history.

Marrison is highly critical of the “search-engining” nature of new-blood journalists who are, in his eyes, “efficient but lazy” and “fast but shallow.”

Evidently, the editor of this long-established publication does not admire the new phenomenon of journalism which reflects rising expectations for a “MoJo” a.k.a. mobile journalist.

A “MoJo” is a professional journalist who does all of the following almost simultaneously: taking notes, videotaping interviews and pictures, recording sound, sending SMS news via mobile phone or twitter, writing for different media, producing a journalistic piece that is applicable to all media platforms, creating personal as well as media blogs, and being active on online forums.

While Marrison does not dispute that upcoming reporters need to be technologically savvy, he still stresses a critical and curious mind that understands the labor and the craft of journalism. To him, old school skills of grammar, composition, and critical thinking as well as knowledge of the world and principal areas of their beats are key.

But more than possessing these valuable attributes, this editor also thinks that future journalists should also possess new ideas about information dissemination, or better yet, cutting edge ideas that will help shore up the ailing industry to the next level.

In other words, forthcoming reporters should also be EnJos or entrepreneurial journalists.

EnJos are journalists who know how to sustain the business of news and take this task into their own hands. In fact, a number of journalism schools have already picked up this trend. Journalism schools at CUNY and UC-Berkeley, and here at OU, for instance, have developed course with such titles as entrepreneurial journalism or journalism and online business models.

But are there things that Marrison might have overlooked?

Professional journalism has always thrived on the basis of a clear separation between the business and the editorial departments. If one is to become an EnJo, chances are the invisible wall between business and journalism will come crumbling down. That nagging question of conflict of interest will become highly visible as journalists begin to treat advertising as content and to balance business needs with integrity of editorial operation.

More importantly, if economic survival becomes a professional theme, how can one be sure that journalists will be able to maintain that much-desired watchdog role? Will this new trend turn them from watchdog to hunting dogs?

After all, hunting dogs, particularly ones that hunt to survive, will not watch out for anything but their prey!

Kyrgyzstan: the Road Not Taken (World Press Review)

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:47:00 +0200

In the wake of political unrest in Kyrgyzstan, thousands of Uzbek nationals have been the victims of violence within Kyrgyzstan. A third-party "peace army" could help turn the situation around. In the wake of political unrest in Kyrgyzstan, thousands of Uzbek nationals have been the victims of violence within Kyrgyzstan. A third-party "peace army" could help turn the situation around.

It's a Small World (Institute for International Journalism)

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:22:00 +0200

by Nicole Cameron
Jamaica

Who would have thought that in Athens, Ohio, I would actually run into someone I know from back home in Jamaica.

Well, that is exactly what happened to me in church today. A friend of mine that I have not seen in approximately eight years recognized me in church, took me home and made me feel as if I was sitting in the average living room in sweet, sweet Jamaica.
by Nicole Cameron
Jamaica

Who would have thought that in Athens, Ohio, I would actually run into someone I know from back home in Jamaica.

Well, that is exactly what happened to me in church today. A friend of mine that I have not seen in approximately eight years recognized me in church, took me home and made me feel as if I was sitting in the average living room in sweet, sweet Jamaica.

Is the BLOG, journalism? (Institute for International Journalism)

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:23:00 +0200

SURESH ACHARYA

What is citizen journalism? Is it the writing about the people or the opinion of the people? Or the people themselves being a journalist? Or to run a community media is citizen journalism? My mind is thundering by these questions since couple of days.

Journalism itself is a voice of voiceless. In practice, it is not commencing anywhere. Loud voices are being covered in most of the media in the world. BBC covers the statement of President Obama. CNN glorifies the voice of him. Al Zezira always looking for the statement of Bin Laden. People are not being news until they killed, abducted or hijacked. Even in hijacking news, the lead dose not start from the people. Media do not say 145 people are being captive at the first line. Who lost the life is less important to the media than who killed him/her. So the question of citizen journalism has got the values.

Issues of the people or the opinion of the people- what is citizen journalism? If it is issues, development journalism is there. The beat reporting is there. That might be the economic beat, social beat, cultural beat or so on. If the answer is NO, opinion on the issues of the people are always used as the source/s in the news report. Other way ventilation of opinion is also in practice from the very beginning of the journalism- in the print. Op-ed page is created to fullfill the purpose of ‘citizen journalism.’

Now the question raised, is a Blog the citizen journalism? Journalism demands some sorts of standard. You can say at least ABC- Accuracy, Balance and Credibility. As so many events are happening in the world and it is not possible to cover those all, the opinions of each and every people is almost impossible to cover in the media. So we use the word newsworthy to be selective on the events or the issues.

Right to expression covers the freedom of press in some countries. But some countries have specified the freedom of press separately. Whether it is separated or not, these two things are different. The first one is the right of each and every citizen. They can speak anything on any issues any where without any interference of the government. But freedom of press is not the freedom of journalists only. Media is the tool of expression of the people. Journalists themselves do not express their views. What they express is the views of the people. Again the question is: do the media covering the right opinion of the right people?

Journalism is a practice. There are many lapses to address and many things to change. In the name of change, we cannot compromise on the basic standard. Shall we?

SURESH ACHARYA

Journalism is a practice. There are many lapses to address and many things to change. In the name of change, we cannot compromise on the basic standard. Shall we?

More Work No Play at SUSI (Institute for International Journalism)

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:23:00 +0200

There is a lot going on here at the IIJ. Each day feels like my first day as udergrad-lots of work, little rest, little time to play. The presenters are marvelous. I am happy that there is more time to see Athens and to interact more with the real people of America on what my country is like and other good things about the world. Had my first solid plate of white rice yesterday, but your guess is as good as mine about the sauce that accompanied it. It took the poor girl at Baker huge effort to search for what eventually worked. Will check again for something more interesting than the usual burger and cold salad.

GamboThere is a lot going on here at the IIJ. Each day feels like my first day as udergrad-lots of work, little rest, little time to play. The presenters are marvelous. I am happy that there is more time to see Athens and to interact more with the real people of America on what my country is like and other good things about the world. Had my first solid plate of white rice yesterday, but your guess is as good as mine about the sauce that accompanied it. It took the poor girl at Baker huge effort to search for what eventually worked. Will check again for something more interesting than the usual burger and cold salad.

Gambo

Italian Journalists on Strike for "Silent Day" (IFJ Global)

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:07:18 +0200

Today Italian journalists were called to a unique form of protest : a "noisy silence day" against the "wiretapping bill" which severely restricting the right of citizens to be informed about judicial investigations. See also the recent EFJ Statement "We organise a silent day to show what could happen if the Bill on wiretapping would be implemented", said the General Secretary of the Federazione Nationale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI) Franco Siddi. "Today journalists are silent because the government wants to silent them". Today Italian journalists were called to a unique form of protest : a "noisy silence day" against the "wiretapping bill" which severely restricting the right of citizens to be informed about judicial investigations. See also the recent EFJ Statement "We organise a silent day to show what could happen if the Bill on wiretapping would be implemented", said the General Secretary of the Federazione Nationale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI) Franco Siddi. "Today journalists are silent because the government wants to silent them".

Albania, Europe's Problematic Child (World Press Review)

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:54:00 +0200

A year after general elections, Albania's political parties are still fighting over the legitimacy of the results. Meanwhile the country's unemployment is sky high and it's no closer to E.U. accession. A year after general elections, Albania's political parties are still fighting over the legitimacy of the results. Meanwhile the country's unemployment is sky high and it's no closer to E.U. accession.

IFJ Dismayed by New Verdict against Azerbaijan journalist (IFJ Global)

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:55:52 +0200

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today expressed its indignation at the new jail sentence handed out to Eynulla Fatullayev, a newspaper editor already imprisoned since 2007. Fatullayev was sentenced to two and a half years prison on charges of drug possession after guards claimed to have found heroin in his cell in December 2009. The sentence comes two months after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned his previous conviction for criminal defamation, making terrorist threats, inciting inter-ethnic violence and tax evasion, as unsafe and demanded his immediate release. "Azerbaijan's record of curbing free speech by jailing journalists and adopting restrictive media laws is unacceptable," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The governments disdain for fair judicial process has been thoroughly exposed by their rejection of the European Court's ruling and the reinforced punishment for Fatullayev. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today expressed its indignation at the new jail sentence handed out to Eynulla Fatullayev, a newspaper editor already imprisoned since 2007. Fatullayev was sentenced to two and a half years prison on charges of drug possession after guards claimed to have found heroin in his cell in December 2009. The sentence comes two months after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned his previous conviction for criminal defamation, making terrorist threats, inciting inter-ethnic violence and tax evasion, as unsafe and demanded his immediate release. "Azerbaijan's record of curbing free speech by jailing journalists and adopting restrictive media laws is unacceptable," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The governments disdain for fair judicial process has been thoroughly exposed by their rejection of the European Court's ruling and the reinforced punishment for Fatullayev.

A Full "Agenda" for the Audience (Institute for International Journalism)

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:35:00 +0200

by Manuel Ayala
Mexico

Agenda setting is a well known theory on mass communication, it declares that media set the topics that the people need to know, letting them see what events and themes are the most important for them. It sounds very good… in a strictly functionalist point of view.

In the early 20´s Walter Lippmann, a respected journalist and scholar from Harvard University declared that the media are the main link between world´s events and facts, and the images of that on the audience´s mind and opinion. Nowadays it seems to be the same. The technology has helped to promote easy and quick access to unlimited content, but there is a truth: people still keep informed by using just a few media outlets.

We discussed this topic today at an interesting lecture conducted by Professor Mary Rogus at SUSI 2010. After a great group participation it came to my mind the thought that there is a potential “risk” in this theory: Who decides what is important for the audience to know? For example, can the editors of a newspaper really know the everyone's needs and information expectations? Are their decisions free from any ideology? What happens to the news that is rejected everyday on the editor´s desk? Aren´t there relevant aspects of it for people to know? Many organizational routines on the newsmaking processes may affect all this.

The media sets a full agenda for the audience--like there are many appointments and meetings, and there seems to be no option for the people to say “no”, except to reject it all.
by Manuel Ayala
Mexico

Agenda setting is a well known theory on mass communication, it declares that media set the topics that the people need to know, letting them see what events and themes are the most important for them. It sounds very good… in a strictly functionalist point of view.

In the early 20´s Walter Lippmann, a respected journalist and scholar from Harvard University declared that the media are the main link between world´s events and facts, and the images of that on the audience´s mind and opinion. Nowadays it seems to be the same. The technology has helped to promote easy and quick access to unlimited content, but there is a truth: people still keep informed by using just a few media outlets.

We discussed this topic today at an interesting lecture conducted by Professor Mary Rogus at SUSI 2010. After a great group participation it came to my mind the thought that there is a potential “risk” in this theory: Who decides what is important for the audience to know? For example, can the editors of a newspaper really know the everyone's needs and information expectations? Are their decisions free from any ideology? What happens to the news that is rejected everyday on the editor´s desk? Aren´t there relevant aspects of it for people to know? Many organizational routines on the newsmaking processes may affect all this.

The media sets a full agenda for the audience--like there are many appointments and meetings, and there seems to be no option for the people to say “no”, except to reject it all.

Indonesia need to learn about PBS's system in US (Institute for International Journalism)

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:49:00 +0200

By Nurul Hasfi

This is interesting to find that public service broadcasting (PSB) and radio service broadcasting in United States become independent media institution that might difficult to be done even by private media institution in US that sometime still bring their ideology in writing story.

Bill Cohen, reporter of Ohio Public Radio/ Public Television for Statehouse News Bureau said that his media ideology is to serve public, not to serve anyone else even government that support some of its operation.

“Our audiences are only 7 % of US’s population, but it grows year by year. Mostly they are educated people”, about he add.

Another important thing is about audiences’s donation for public service media in US. My country, Indonesia has PBS, Televisi Republic Indonesia (TVRI), but our public do not have willing to support its operation. TVRI’s operation is supported totally by government. This situation creates problem because in some cases, government still has some intervention to TVRI in term of its news contents that arise unfair reporting. It become reason why public rejects to support TVRI’s operation. Moreover, public’s need over information already provided by 10 private televisions in Indonesia that are more independence than TVRI.

I am sure that Indonesia needs public service media that serve public as Ohio Public Television/ Radio do. At least, PBS that has no financial dependence to anyone but public. Based on my observation I also find that indonesian private television in some cases fail in providing fair information since those are owned by some groups that have political interests to government.

On the other hand, this is understandable that TVRI still immature in running the concept of PBS since it have just been operated for 8 years after government had changed TVRI ‘s status from state broadcasting television to public service broadcasting in 2002. In this case, I think TVRI should learn from US.By Nurul Hasfi

This is interesting to find that public service broadcasting (PSB) and radio service broadcasting in United States become independent media institution that might difficult to be done even by private media institution in US that sometime still bring their ideology in writing story.

Bill Cohen, reporter of Ohio Public Radio/ Public Television for Statehouse News Bureau said that his media ideology is to serve public, not to serve anyone else even government that support some of its operation.

“Our audiences are only 7 % of US’s population, but it grows year by year. Mostly they are educated people”, about he add.

Another important thing is about audiences’s donation for public service media in US. My country, Indonesia has PBS, Televisi Republic Indonesia (TVRI), but our public do not have willing to support its operation. TVRI’s operation is supported totally by government. This situation creates problem because in some cases, government still has some intervention to TVRI in term of its news contents that arise unfair reporting. It become reason why public rejects to support TVRI’s operation. Moreover, public’s need over information already provided by 10 private televisions in Indonesia that are more independence than TVRI.

I am sure that Indonesia needs public service media that serve public as Ohio Public Television/ Radio do. At least, PBS that has no financial dependence to anyone but public. Based on my observation I also find that indonesian private television in some cases fail in providing fair information since those are owned by some groups that have political interests to government.

On the other hand, this is understandable that TVRI still immature in running the concept of PBS since it have just been operated for 8 years after government had changed TVRI ‘s status from state broadcasting television to public service broadcasting in 2002. In this case, I think TVRI should learn from US.

Gas Revenues Fund Burma Nuke Program (World Press Review)

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:04:00 +0200

While its people remain among the poorest in the world, a new report shows that Burma's military junta is siphoning oil and gas revenues to fund a secret nuclear weapons program. While its people remain among the poorest in the world, a new report shows that Burma's military junta is siphoning oil and gas revenues to fund a secret nuclear weapons program.