The Power to Influence
By the Secretariat, SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk, November 7, 2021
Journalism in a Fragmented World
Inaugural Webinar by the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk (SAJD): 26th October-7th December 2021
On 2nd November 2021, the second session of SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk’s inaugural webinar, Journalism in a Fragmented World focused on Media as a Catalyst for Change: Solutions Journalism. Participants listened to the experiences, input and insights of media specialists from three countries, and were encouraged to discuss, analyse and engage during three “breakout” sessions.
President of WeBien YOU Creative Communications and a member of the Board of Directors, SIGNIS Korea, Dr Anna Jihyun You, spoke on Trailblazing Change in Public Discourse – Ethics and Responsibilities. Her presentation underscored the influence of the media in everyday life, and pointed out that journalists really needed to “up the ante” on ethics so that trust in the media could be restored.
With the sharp spike in media channels in recent years, and the possibility of even more to come, there were parallel opportunities to write stories that influence public opinion, and by extension, public discourse. She urged journalists to understand firstly the demographics of their target audiences, and consider how public opinion is formed, as this is imperative to Solutions Journalism.
Adding that although the way media is consumed today is changing rapidly, with more people using social media especially, there was still heavy reliance on some basic forms of media – an indication of the prevalence (and relevance) of media in everyday life. Journalists bear a burden of responsibility where this is concerned; people need to be responsibly represented when forming opinions and participating in public discourse as this is input for the process of societal decision-making.
Reporting from a balanced and responsible free press is crucial to healthy public discourse. But sensitivities – both global and local – must be considered when undertaking this. Sharing real-life experiences with the participants, she gave several examples of how they could time their interventions for maximum effect. Advocating deeper, not just superficial analysis, she said there was a need for the media in general to move back to a position of trust because “People need to have information they can trust.” Journalists are responsible for researching their stories thoroughly.
Dr You also did a “homework check” – asking participants if they had done the required reading and video-viewing that all presenters had forwarded earlier, to help them understand better the complexities of Solutions Journalism and what it entails. Addressing participants’ concerns ranging from how to make religious news reporting more interesting, to how to meet deadlines when sources don’t revert, she advised thinking about balance, and connecting with general issues to create pieces that readers could identify with.
SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk and LICAS News Asia are the organisers of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Fellowship Programme on the theme “Journalism in a Fragmented World,” a seven-week programme for lay Catholic and like-minded journalists working in the secular media. Offered virtually, the seven-week webinar brings together 25 selected participants from 14 countries to build capacity and promote exchange among media professionals and journalists who want to use their platform for social change.