Unlimited freedom scope amid poverty, illiteracy and oppression [Archives:2007/1047/Opinion]
By: Rashad Al-Shara'abi
I will discuss what I am asked to do in the form of an essay or a journalistic report in a way having no relation with the scientific standards followed by researchers. I am going to discuss the state of Yemeni press and press freedoms, along with the surrounding environment in a neutral and objective manner. I will introduce my definition of the professional and good journalism in my simple method and through my experience that doesn't exceed 10 years. During these years, I erased all the definitions introduced by those holding high degrees but are not engaged in the profession.
As far as I am concerned, the professional and good journalism is the one that defends the rights of citizens and human beings to obtain the information they desire in an easy way without chains or obstacles. Also, it should defend citizens' rights to express their opinions though different they are. Performance has to be in line with the well-known standards in the profession of the press, away from restrictions and bans, be they legislative, social or religious, as the journalist perform his/her duty and mission in the required way without chains or restrictions except for values of the profession. Nobody observes performance of the journalist except for his/her own conscience and faith in the necessity of exploring facts, helping the oppressed whose rights are abused, defending them and facing corruption and oppression that abuse rights and violate freedoms.
The professional and good journalism works hard to enable human beings reach and obtain the information easily and allow them a chance to express their opinions. This journalism should invent the attractive means and methods for its readers and give them a chance to entertain, as well as to reflect the clear picture of what is going on and what is happening in their communities or the other communities. In the meantime, journalists should not submit to extortion and directions or orders to serve particular interests or attitudes of the government or the opposition.
Meeting the two conditions of professional and good journalism is not limited to what has been mentioned earlier, as journalism has a great role to play while journalists shoulder a greater responsibility. It is considered the fourth authority and the profession of hardships. It should discuss the concerns and problems of journalists, as well as their expectations and hopes for journalism to be one of sources concerned with resolving issues of its workers and helping them reach their sought ambitions. In addition, journalism may be a means for treating diseases and suggesting solutions and awareness methods in various health, social, personal and economic areas.
Good and professional journalism has a vital role in providing people with information and transferring the process of decision taking from subjective impressions into objective facts. By this, it makes out of the different viewpoints evidence for dialogue and diverse negotiations, and works hard to obtain information and offer them to its readership in an independent and neutral manner. In the meantime, reporters, correspondents and all those working for media institutions have to care for objectivity, consider the public needs, publish real facts and confront totalitarianism and totalitarian visions. They should enhance the culture of accepting diversity and difference by being liberal and open to everyone without any partiality
It is known to everyone that journalism emerged in Yemen at the very beginning the last century as a mission and means of information. It paid closer attention to the concerns of Yemenis before its counterparts did in the Arabian Peninsula. Journalism played a prominent role nationwide, particularly in Aden City, which remained under the British Occupation until 1967. But, as an industry, art, profession, career, liberty, influence and probably an authority, journalism is still living an infancy stage under the umbrella of young democracy experienced in Yemen. Yemen is one of the few countries characterized by young democracy, however, its democratic experience excelled that of other Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states. Yemen's democracy has its own laws that ensure rights and liberties with all their different types, mainly the freedom of expression and press freedom.
For nearly 3 decades, following the 26 September Revolution in 1962 in the north and the entire independence in the south in 1967, journalism in Yemen remained one of the means controlled by the totalitarian regimes of the two parts of the country. Both regimes exploited journalism as a means to promote their policies and ideologies. When the two parts of Yemen merged into one in 1990, the unified state's constitution and law stipulated the establishment of a democratic political regime based on party pluralism. The new state paid closer attention to improving human rights state in the country, as well as ensuring public freedoms, mainly the freedom of expression and press. The country experienced a distinctive move in the establishment of political parties, civil community organizations and media institutions.
It is difficult to say that journalism in Yemen has no influence on the daily life of people, as it turned into a haven for the oppressed and those suffering human rights abuses and public freedom violations. With the emergence of independent and professional media, in addition to the electronic journalism that appeared over the pat few years, the press influence increased and expanded. Journalism had stronger presence, however, its returns don't meet its spending demands nor were these returns enough to raise workers' salaries and improve their living standards.
Source: Nasspress.net
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