Wednesday 17th, June 2009, we are hosting a workshop on civil journalism therefore tonight I am reading something to prepare.  I picked the book  ‘We the Media’, written by Dan Gillmor (2004) . He quotes from Wes “Scoop” Nisker,  “If you don’t like the news…go out and make some of your own”. This would encourage Thai bloggers, netizens and activists to create personal and civil journalism.

In another article “What ethics should bloggers have?”, written  in  ‘Handbook for Bloggers and cyber-dissidents’ published by  Reporters Without Borders (RSF), he points that

“In a world of new journalism, where shift from a lecture to much more of a conversation, ethical journalism depends less on codes of ethics than the values and principles that are a foundation for honorable journalism” He concludes that there are pillars of good journalism: thoroughness, accuracy, fairness, transparency and independence”

He points fairness is as difficult “means among other things, listening to different viewpoints, and incorporating them into journalism. It does not mean parroting lies or distortions to achieve that lazy equivalence that leads some journalists to get opposing quotes when the facts overwhelmingly support one side”

“Fairness is also about letting people respond when they believe you are wrong, even if you do not agree.”

“Ultimately, fairness emerges from a state of mind. We should be aware of what drives us, and always be willing to listen to those who disagree.”