Wednesday 1 February 2017

Good journalism


I read this and was impressed.

excerpts:

Do’s:
--Cover what matters in people’s lives and provide them the facts they need to make better decisions.
--Become ever-more resourceful: If one door to information closes, open another one.
--Give up on hand-outs and worry less about official access. They were never all that valuable anyway. Our coverage of Iran has been outstanding, and we have virtually no official access. What we have are sources.
--Get out into the country and learn more about how people live, what they think, what helps and hurts them, and how the government and its actions appear to them, not to us.
--Keep the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles close at hand, remembering that “the integrity, independence and freedom from bias of Reuters shall at all times be fully preserved.”
Don’ts:
--Never be intimidated, but:
--Don’t pick unnecessary fights or make the story about us. We may care about the inside baseball but the public generally doesn’t and might not be on our side even if it did.
--Don’t vent publicly about what might be understandable day-to-day frustration. In countless other countries, we keep our own counsel so we can do our reporting without being suspected of personal animus. We need to do that in the U.S., too.

--Don’t take too dark a view of the reporting environment: It’s an opportunity for us to practice the skills we’ve learned in much tougher places around the world and to lead by example – and therefore to provide the freshest, most useful, and most illuminating information and insight of any news organization anywhere.
Maybe our journalists here in Malaysia can learn something from the article.

For me, it's a good advice for journalists, especially those working in a hostile environment.

Whatever it is, we can always do with more proper journalism in this country.

A bit tired of reading craps from both sides of the political divide...which go around masquerading as journalism.

Ok, that's all.

Here's a song for the evening

57 comments:

  1. The father of Greek philosophy said that true wisdom is to acknowledge things one is ignorant of. And journalists are also in need of wisdom. So be humble and kind with your thoughts and words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous @ 1 February 2017 at 21:44,

      //true wisdom is to acknowledge things one is ignorant of//

      //journalists are also in need of wisdom.//

      I have no idea what you mean.

      Does that mean I have found true wisdom? :)

      Gladiator

      Delete
    2. Imagine the totality of your knowledge as the domain bounded by the circumference of a circle. Outside of your circle is what you don't know or understand. It

      Delete
  2. Annie,

    //Maybe our journalists here in Malaysia can learn something from the article.//

    The only two things applicable to most Malaysian journalists would be :

    -Don’t pick unnecessary fights

    -Don’t vent publicly about what might be understandable day-to-day frustration

    Everything else could land a journalist in jail :)

    Gladiator

    ReplyDelete
  3. Like oic meeting on rohingya 'oppression' by myanmar, should kangkung call for another oic meeting on muslim ban by usa NO??? Hypocrite kangkung & Barua Nasional right!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The kangkung is using the Rohingyas as "props" to show the Malays how pious (ha ha) he is.

      Nothing more or less.

      Delete
    2. Rohingyas are the ties that bind Pas and UMNO.alhamdulillah

      Prof Kangkung

      Delete
  4. "Don’t vent publicly about what might be understandable day-to-day frustration. In countless other countries, we keep our own counsel so we can do our reporting without being suspected of personal animus. We need to do that in the U.S., too."

    That it has come to this is interesting. Reporting the Trump US is as challenging as reporting on the closed third world affairs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Annie,

    Just to update. Able to access Ben Hur. Just now at:

    www.benhurplugup.blogspot.com

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. http://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/quebec-mosque-shooting-premier-couillard-cautions-against-assigning-blame

    In reporting. Words can be knives. Quebec who is grappling with stirred rancour and hatred says a society has to talk about such issues but there’s a right way and a wrong way.

    We could learn from this.

    "Freedom of speech has consequences, good ones and bad ones,” Couillard told reporters at a news conference to update his government’s work to assist victims. “When I say words matter, it means words can hurt, words can be knives, slashing at people’s conscience.

    “If we start presenting a foreigner as a threat, a challenge to our identity, something we should steer clear of, that does not advance the idea that we need to try and live together in a Quebec which is really inclusive.”

    But who’s to blame, a reporter asked?

    “We’re all responsible, he said. “I am responsible. Elected officials are responsible. You (in the media) are responsible in how you carry the words. Everybody has a role to play.

    ”All societies have to live with demons. Our society is not perfect, none is. The demons are called xenophobia, racism, exclusion. They are present here. We have to accept and recognize and act together.”"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Each one of us in reality has to live with his or her own demon.

      Delete
    2. Anon 8:00:

      Yes. But one should not let one's demon destroys others.

      Reporters can rise above their demons. And so could the news consumers.

      We can certainly decide on what we want.

      Delete
    3. 9:17 you're absolutely right. The battleground is one's own conscience. Deal with ones own evil and let only one's light shower down upon others.

      Delete
  7. Not letting the demons of others overcome you demands a lot of courage. Here's an example:

    http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/pm-trudeau-wont-let-em-rain-on-his-parade

    "After calling an election just three weeks after he became Liberal leader, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau has promised to stem the rise of Quebec separatism and turn Canada into a unified, bilingual nation. On the eve of the election, Trudeau ignores threats of separatist violence and attends Montreal's St-Jean-Baptiste parade. When other officials flee as rioters hurl rocks and bottles, Trudeau refuses to back down. This French CBC Television clip shows Trudeau smiling as the projectiles fly."

    That's the father of the current Trudeau, who once gravely told the younger Trudeau that one did not need to agree with somebody to respect him.

    So just maybe. Just maybe. We could learn to respect others and be civil despite our disagreement. Especially so for this much anticipated GE 14 campaign.

    ReplyDelete

  8. Yes ALL be civil in-sya-Allah, Sdr ANON 09:31


    M Zin
    Alor Gajah DPH

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do u mean "civil" as being gentlemanly character and well-mannered bro.?

      Delete
    2. Mr Pious Hypocrite, right on cue.

      Fucked any arses lately, Zin? Farted on anyone? Sucked anyone?

      You need to treat yourself first before handing out free advice to others.

      This munafik disease should be removed from our midst, in-sya-Allah.

      Delete

    3. You right on wrong cue, Sdr ANON 15:03
      whoever you miserable(?) troll are



      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete

    4. Yes gentlemanly and more importantly keep up the great comments here thats focussed on the topic, Sdr ANON 14:38
      for all to share

      Trolls:
      Sadly nauzubi'Llah there are sad individuals who single out persons for subject of abusive comments. Personal attacks though will not prevent me from in-sya-Allah making more comments
      ( one sad troll here hmmm dislike my comments?)

      Disruptive?
      I leave it to LoA to decide if any particular troll's comment deemed too distractive against goo dialogue on her chosen topic


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    5. M Zin,

      //Sadly nauzubi'Llah there are sad individuals//

      //Personal attacks though will not prevent me from in-sya-Allah making more comments//

      I find it amusing that you would seek the protection, the love and the forgiveness of Allah when you are not willing to show the same to others, e.g. when stoning your lil sis, Annie, to death.

      It reminds me of how Syaitan promised to cause havoc, pain, misery and suffering, while waiting for Judgement Day to return to the sanctuary and love offered by Allah.

      You do know that story?

      My apologies if you already know that story.

      Gladiator

      Delete

    6. Muslims convinced of Judgement Day, Sdr Gladiator
      where no escaping punishment for His list of crimes

      You do not kan(?) and we respect
      and must manage differences


      NB. Zina crime, almost impossible to proof with Akta/ undang2 Keterangan Islam
      ( maybe Evidence Act 1950)


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    7. M Zin,

      Gladiator was likening you to a setan.

      Why are you talking about what Muslims are convinced of here? That's not what Gladiator was asking from you, nor was that the thread / chosen topic of Lil sis Annie here.

      You cakap tak serupa bikin, that's why people think that you are a pious hypocrite having munafik disease, which is 100% true.

      Jawap la, tell Gladiator why you think you are not a setan, if you are convinced that you are not one.

      Delete

    8. Building walls?
      This a free forum and Gladiator has above
      and can continue to call PAS members whatever, kan(?) Sdr ANON 09:30

      There is however a cost of name-calling
      leading to building walls between so many Muslims against Nons
      by association with his excessive comments

      You too can call me whatever, but rather you in-sya-Allah reply to my comments
      and not whoever you judge I to be, boleh?
      ( just my opinion, am also against vulgar language on this thread)



      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    9. Munafik Zin,

      I rather you in-sya-Allah you actually practise what you preach, boleh? "am also against vulgar language on this thread" (?) not by your past record, kan?

      I rather you in-sya-Allah not be such a sickening hypocrite, boleh (?)

      Delete
  9. The damage that Trump will do........


    "The Trump administration wants to revamp and rename a U.S. government program designed to counter all violent ideologies so that it focuses solely on Islamist extremism, five people briefed on the matter told Reuters.

    The program, "Countering Violent Extremism," or CVE, would be changed to "Countering Islamic Extremism" or "Countering Radical Islamic Extremism," the sources said, and would no longer target groups such as white supremacists who have also carried out bombings and shootings in the United States.

    Such a change would reflect Trump's election campaign rhetoric and criticism of former President Barack Obama for being weak in the fight against Islamic State and for refusing to use the phrase "radical Islam" in describing it. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for attacks on civilians in several countries."

    So Islam = terrorism = Islam.

    Just to appeal to his redneck base.

    This is one low class politician.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trump is a bad guy, and the Yanks will regret choosing him. Mark my words!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous @ 2 February 2017 at 16:03,

      //This is one low class politician.//

      Trump may be a low-class politician but he appears to be doing exactly what he said he would do if elected as President.

      As for Trump being anti-Muslim, it is certainly puzzling why there are many refugees from Muslims countries who still want to go to the US.

      Also, so far, I have not heard too many Muslims screaming "Boycott US goods" or "Boycott KFC/McDonalds/A&W/Starbucks".

      Even, the Sultan of Brunei, so admired by Parti Anak Syaitan, for all his Islamic piousness, still holds massive investments in the US and appears not to have said one word condemning Trump.

      I am quite certain Parti Anak Syaitan is keep strangely quiet, no protest gatherings, no constant press releases, nothing - I wonder why.

      I thought Parti Anak Syaitan claims to be defending Allah and Islam - I guess it just the usual No Action, Talk Only.

      In fact, can anybody tell me who in Malaysia is opposing Trump's policies towards Muslims?

      Wait, wait, please do not answer that last question. It was asked as a joke, OK? I know the answer :)

      Gladiator

      Delete
    3. 16:03, Isn't yr logic flawed?
      How do you surmise that putting up resistance against the violent radicalism of ISIS makes it "So Islam = terrorism = Islam"

      Which planet have you been inhabiting lately?

      You couldn't pretend you are ignorant that the Islamic State army has been killing and torturing other followers of Islam - many many of us orthodox Muslims.

      Delete
    4. Just ignore the trolls.keep our discussion healthy

      Prof Kangkung

      Delete
  10. http://www.zaid.my/current/chinese-love-country/

    Coming back to the state of our nation. Zaid Ibrahim called out to us:

    "I appeal to the Chinese community to continue supporting the Opposition because Malays are now with us. Don’t spoil our chances. While it’s true that investments from anywhere must be welcomed, Malaysia must come first.

    We must decide together on all kinds of decisions, but we should use only one criterion when deciding what is and isn’t important: will it be good for the country and the people?

    This is not the time for narrow group interests to surface. It is certainly not the time for misplaced arguments about culture and history to be bandied about for votes. This is the time for serious and responsible discussions about the future of our country.

    To participate in those discussions meaningfully, we must do come together as a single people united by a common purpose, and that is: the betterment of our country and all its inhabitants."

    I hope we respond fairly to his appeal.

    Nobody wants this country to be part of mainland China. Hong Kong is clearly an example. We need to rise above the DAP fear factor in order to overcome the current ills.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Calling PAS as Parti Anak Syaitan is an insult not only to the founders but to its supporters who are sincere in upholding good values. We could draw these sincere ones to help fight the evils and corruptions. But to put them under one blanket of insult certainly is a questionable act by those who claim to be fair and capable of thinking guided by their own better values.

    What if outsiders give the same manner of insult on Malaysia (giving the country some evil name) for the ills of its leaders? How would that feel to us who claim to be Malaysian and not part of the evil?

    How could one claim to uphold good values, regardless of religion or lack of it, when interactions are based on insult?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Surah Al-Asr

      In the Name of the Most Compassionate & Merciful

      By the passage of Time,
      Verily, humankind is in Loss,
      Except for the one of true faith & righteous deeds,
      And the ones who mutually engage in true counsel & patient equanimity.

      Delete

    2. These people(?) call us whatever, Sdr ANON 10:41
      that will in-sya-Allah invite retaliation from the Ummah, more determined to push Syaria


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    3. It doesn't amount to that i beg your pardon Zin. I think gladiator shoots a loose canon at times. But I've lost count how many times guru Hadi and Nik Aziz have bad-mouthed other muslims who are not favoring them.

      Delete

    4. Yes nauzubi 'Llah many including many leaders carry on being brash(?) Sdr 17:45
      and wrongly convinced their loadness is being bight(?) and right

      That is more like the proverbial New Yorkers, while some people here are nauzubi 'Llah not far behind in their brashness and loud insults


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
  12. Anon 10:41.

    That is why... those in PAS "who are sincere in upholding good values", MUST voice their disapproval when Haji Hadi is being too chummy with UMNO-Najib.

    When you kept quiet, people who wanted to topple Najib, will be suspicious or skeptical of everybody in PAS.
    More so when PAS seems to be dragging its feet on a pact with BERSATU, thwarting the idea of a one-to one fight with BN in GE14.
    Its decision to refuse working together with former ally DAP and splinter Parti Amanah Negara is final, and it will not join federal opposition pact Pakatan Harapan.

    Yet they're hypocritically in Selangor where DAP & Amanah is part of the administration.

    And... we haven't heard PAS' Kelantan government revoke that timberland concession given to DAP's cousin, Nga Kor Ming & Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham when late Nik Aziz, Karpal Singh and Kit Siang are best of friends.

    Therefore, that catch-phrase... 'Party-Anak-Syaitan' might be suitable or proper in these circumstances.

    on the other note, Kleptocracy... or rule by thieves... a new vocabulary... unknown, if not for Najib's 1MDB & Jho Low... is also an insult to Malaysians "who are sincere in upholding good values".

    NB:
    Do you know that Malays who are born in other states cannot buy land under his name in Kelantan?

    ReplyDelete

  13. DAP Corrupt more appropriate for Penang(?) Sdr RD
    with $ millions for N Channel tunnel study kickbacks and the Sec Gen soon to be tried for corruption

    ( where moral high ground?)


    M Zin
    Alor Gajah DPH

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ( where moral high ground?)

      Where's yours, Mr Fart-Suck-Fuck (all your words, not mine)

      Hypocrisy is your forte, boleh admit (?) apart from repeating RPK's brainless fantasies which appeal to your subhuman intelligence (?)


      Munafik Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH



      Delete
    2. M.Zin.
      I'm talking about Party-Anak-Setan, not DAP.
      PAS gave Ngeh & Nga those swath of timberland so that PAS got to become Perak MB in 2008.
      Why still no termination of that timber concession?

      Compared with what was lost in Najib's 1MDB-Jho Low, Sabah-Watergate, KBS, DBKL-Bank Rakyat fraud... just to name a few... that corruption you highlighted in Penang is just... peanuts.

      Delete

    3. You can continue your vulgarism, Sdr ANON 17:24
      and LoA allowing it. I used the term: Suck up to

      Suck up to, in Cambridge English Dictionary:
      " to try to make someone in authority approve of you by doing and saying things
      that will please them"

      Hmmm you are one determined troll(?)
      screening my past comments


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete

    4. A little pregnant:
      ( Gladiator's earlier)
      Screwed, corrupted and DAPs just, Sdr RD
      what(?) peanut pregnant


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    5. ehhhhh bro, 'Munafik Zin' is nothing lah. you want munafik then look for pink lips songlap king. tiba2 sayang rohinghya (last year pushing them back to sea), bila trump bully muslims duduk senyap jer.

      Kimak betui si pondan bugis nih.

      Ptuiiiii........

      Delete
  14. RD.

    I work for the well being of our indigenous bretheren. I defend their rights and inclusive needs. I cried for the pain and harassment of their school going children. I am inflamed by the rasicm of our people (UMNO, PAS and others) towards them. I have come across graduates and professionals who admonished themselves by insulting the Orang Asli. How many times have you come across this "Macam Jakun aku. Macam Sakai lah ko ni".

    My point is. I do not support name callings and racism. It is not about political difference.

    If their leadership is in the wrong. And their followers are naive and ignorant, enlighten them. for instance, AMANAH is the result of the enlightened few.

    Two intents of lighting fire. One is to enlighten, comfort and energise. But there is also those who light fire that agitates, destructs and drives others into a corner.

    We can certainly be sincere in our choice. Can't we?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous @ 3 February 2017 at 10:41

    //Calling PAS as Parti Anak Syaitan is an insult not only to the founders but to its supporters who are sincere in upholding good values.//

    Isn't Parti Anak Syaitan also insulting the founders of PAS by their actions, their intolerance, their heavy handedness?

    Or are you telling me that the founders of PAS intended for non-Muslims to disrespect Islam, to ridicule Islam?

    Hm.. good values ...

    Is it good values to have supporters who support stoning a person to death?

    Maybe it is good values to chop heads and hands?

    Or is it good values to throw people off buildings?

    Please do not tell me that none of these are being practised in Malaysia because some people believe it is just a matter of time.

    I was asking you if it is good values for supporters of Parti Anak Syaitan to hold such views, OK?

    //We could draw these sincere ones to help fight the evils and corruptions.//

    Yes, we can.

    Get them to join Amanah :)

    //How would that feel to us who claim to be Malaysian and not part of the evil?//

    We stand up and voice our opinions but being Malaysian, it is strongly advised that one does it anonymously :)

    //How could one claim to uphold good values, regardless of religion or lack of it, when interactions are based on insult?//

    Damn right, how indeed?

    Parti Anak Syaitan constantly insults the intelligence of Muslims or non-Muslims.

    Gladiator

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "//How could one claim to uphold good values, regardless of religion or lack of it, when interactions are based on insult?//

      Damn right, how indeed?

      Parti Anak Syaitan constantly insults the intelligence of Muslims or non-Muslims."

      As you continue in your abuse, what's the difference then between you and them?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous @ 3 February 2017 at 21:13,

      //As you continue in your abuse, what's the difference then between you and them?//

      The difference?

      I don't follow Syaitan?

      I don't want to kill people, chop off heads and hands?

      BTW, why is it abuse to refer to what I believe is a party which follows Syaitan by my definition?

      Am I not just saying what I believe to be true?

      Gladiator

      Delete
    3. "BTW, why is it abuse to refer to what I believe is a party which follows Syaitan by my definition?

      Am I not just saying what I believe to be true?"

      By all means. Stoke your own fire. And be happy with it. For whatever intent it may serve you.

      Indeed to each his own definition. And destination.

      Delete
  16. M Zin,

    //that will in-sya-Allah invite retaliation from the Ummah, more determined to push Syaria//

    Many in the ummah have been corrupted by Parti Anak Syaitan.

    Syaitan does not seek justice, He seeks revenge.

    And we all know that Parti Anak Syaitan will use syariah for revenge against those who dare speak out, who dare to be different, who will not bow their heads to Syaitan.

    BTW, I note that you invoked the name of Allah again.

    You have still not told me if you know the story of Syaitan and how He is waiting for Judgement Day to return to the sanctuary and love of Allah.

    Do you know that story?

    Gladiator

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. No TQ and really no interest in discussing Judgement Day(?) with you Sdr Gladiator
      that you profess not believe,
      maybe in-sya-Allah discuss with others
      who follow The Holy Books
      ( also not here, kut?)


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    2. M Zin,

      //No TQ and really no interest in discussing Judgement Day(?) with you//

      Not very Islamic of you to not want to share your knowledge and faith when someone ask you to :)

      But when you are not asked to do share, you are very vocal, why?

      //maybe ... discuss with others
      who follow The Holy Books//

      What makes you think I don't "follow" your "Holy Books"?

      Hm.. how many "Holy Books" do you follow?

      Gladiator

      Delete

    3. Really more keen to discuss Judgement Day with followers, Sdr Gladiator
      which you have claimed you are not
      of our Prophets and Holy Books

      Follow, in Cambridge English Dictionary
      ( in relation to beliefs)
      " to obey or to act as ordered by someone"


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
  17. "Maybe in-sya-Allah discuss with others who follow The Holy Books
    ( also not here, kut?)"

    Astaghfirullah.

    Zin. Your assumption of people needs to be re-evaluated. The followers of the Holy Books include the Muslims. Are you suggesting that there is no Muslim here? Astaghfirullah.

    Itu sebab orang marah you. And in the process they put a blanket insult on the others that you associate with.

    Sorry. But wrong is wrong. Right is right. If I am wrong in my interpretation of your statement. Then I stand corrected.

    Allah Ta'ala Ar Rahman Ar Raheem. He loves those who are generous and merciful in their words and deeds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Yes, you can respectfully continue with Gladiator, Sdr ANON 22:27
      Having a name will help

      Astaghfiru'Llah(?) what assuptions did I make?
      ( what assumptions, you?)
      I had long discussed Hudud with him before
      but other prior commitments does not allow me for now, boleh?


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    2. M Zin,

      //I had long discussed Hudud with him before//

      Actually, you talked about hudud to me but you never did discussed hudud with me.

      Discussion implies I ask questions, you answer, you ask questions, I answer.

      In our case, it was essentially a one-way dialogue from you to me.

      It was extremely difficult to get answers from you because you were very evasive. :)

      You seem happy with leading but you dislike questions.

      When you are faced with difficult questions, your response is to avoid answering, change the subject or run.

      And yet, you and others in Parti Anak Syaitan insist on setting the standards of society.

      I am no expert on Islam but I know a little bit of the role of Syaitan in Islam.

      To me, the actions of Parti Anak Syaitan fit that role perfectly.

      Please do correct me if I am wrong because, unlike others with a vested interest, I am not afraid to be wrong :)

      Gladiator

      Delete
  18. Zin. I interpreted your statement "( also not here, kut?)", to mean that there is no followers of the Holy Books among the commentators.

    As I have said, I stand corrected.

    Sheikh Hamza Yusuf has consistently stressed on the importance of 'Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric'. They minimise a lot of misunderstanding on misinterpretations.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. You're welcome and TQ for asking for clarification, Sdr ANON 08:03
      in the spirit this thread on Good journalism
      and the good Shaykh


      M Zin
      Alor Gajah DPH

      Delete
    2. M Zin,

      //You're welcome and TQ for asking for clarification//

      So you know he/she is asking a question.

      Why dont you answer?

      Gladiator

      Delete