Stories about Media & Journalism from April, 2017
Despite Some Ambivalence, the Expanded Jamaica Carnival of 2017 Was a Hit
Jamaica Carnival is still considered an import from Trinidad and Tobago, but that doesn't mean that Jamaicans haven't been embracing the festival and its economic benefits.
“I'm Glad I'm From Tohoku” Trends on Twitter Following Japanese Politician's Cruel Words
A Japanese cabinet minister's insensitive remarks spurred a popular Twitter hashtag supporting Japan's northeastern Tohoku region, as well as the minister's resignation.
Kashmiri Man Who Was Tied to an Indian Military Jeep as a Human Shield Says He Now Lives in Fear
"...I am afraid of going to a hospital. I’m afraid they will find me and kill me…I haven’t stepped outside my house in the last eight days."
Indian Government Bans 22 Social Media Platforms in Kashmir including Facebook, WhatsApp
"By presenting the other side to the Kashmir storyline, the locals once again were able to own....the highly complex and conflicted Kashmir narrative."
Taiwan Tops Asia While Hong Kong Falls Four Places in Freedom of Press Index
"A majority [of media workers in Hong Kong] have expressed an increasing pressure which results in deliberate self-censorship."
Kyrgyz Kickboxer Claims Racism After Publicly Contesting a Loss in Russia
The contest's Russian referee threatened Sharsheyev with deportation as he refused to leave the ring after the loss.
A House Divided: Ethiopian Runners Separated by Politics Face Off at London Marathon
Feyisa Lelisa and Kenenisa Bekele, two of the world's greatest marathon runners, are both from the same ethnic group. But that is where the similarities stop.
Netizen Report: Mexican Journalists Were Threatened Online, Then Killed
Kashmiris see more cuts to basic communications services, a Japanese artist gets fined for her 3D vagina art, and Thailand tells Facebookers to "unfollow" state critics.
A Video Game Offers a Rare Nuanced Glimpse Into the 1979 Iranian Revolution
A new Iranian-designed video game achieves the rare feat of providing an accessible and authentic narrative on Iran’s history without compromising on either content or creativity.
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
Lebanon's King of Comedy Is on a Global Mission to Make Everyone Laugh at the Same Joke. It's Working.
When Nemr About Nassar told his Arab dad he was going to become a comedian, his response was, "You want to become a clown?"
Voting Is Underway in Turkey's Referendum. What Is at Stake?
The rules of the game may be on the brink of changing in Turkey, in a way that could disproportionately favour the strongest player.
Censorship Undressed: Iranian State TV Cuts Broadcast Mid-Sentence
In an unusual broadcasting flub this week, Iran's official state media network cut off the live video feed of a reporter in mid-sentence, censoring election coverage.
Can Russia Protect Its Journalists From the ‘Homegrown ISIS’ in Chechnya?
Alexey Venediktov, one of Russia's most prominent journalists, says the Russian government appears to have allowed a “homegrown ISIS” to emerge under its nose in Chechnya.
Some of Ghana's Media Houses Are Social Media Stars, While Others Take a Pass
The 1st Quarter Social Media Index report for 2017, released by the non-profit organisation Penplusbytes, surveys the use of social media by newspapers, TV stations and radio stations.
Russian Journalists Say One of NYT's Pulitzer-Winning Stories Was Stolen
The New York Times won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in international reporting for ten articles on Russia. The Russian website Meduza says one of those stories was stolen.
Southeast Asian Leaders Use ‘Fake News’ to Justify Tighter Media Laws and Intimidate Their Critics
Singapore plans to update its Broadcasting Act, Philippine House Speaker is proposing to regulate social media, and Cambodian officials are mimicking Donald Trump by calling unfavorable news "fake".
News Website Cameraman Arrested While Broadcasting Protests in Venezuela
"Almost 30,000 people were watching the VPITV broadcast on YouTube when the Bolivarian National Police took the cameraman."
Indian Techies Work to Detect Fake WhatsApp and Facebook Messages
Many of the new users do not yet know how to differentiate between authentic sources and fake or malicious ones.
