Stories about Media & Journalism from December, 2009
China: ‘How did Copenhagen end up our fault?’
Did China do badly at Copenhagen? Writes one Chinese blogger: "I think Chinese officials acted splendidly at the Copenhagen summit; this was the first time for me to see China be bold like Americans in standing up tough for its own interests."
Malaysia: Press Freedom Advocate Sues Blogger
A veteran journalist-blogger is being sued for libel by a politician who is known for espousing press freedom in Malaysia. Check out the reactions of Malaysian bloggers.
Jamaica: Crash Landing
Jamaican bloggers discuss the crash of an American Airlines jet in Kingston.
Tajikistan: The price tag of truth
The Tajik government has recently instituted fees for information requests from journalists and the general public. Botur examines how putting a price tag on information will hurt freedom.
Ecuador: Government Suspends Television Channel Teleamazonas
The Ecuadorian government took the television channel Teleamazonas off the air for 72 hours for spreading false information. Critics see this move as a threat to freedom of expression.
Singapore: Asia's 25 Most Influential People
Anonymous_X questions the inclusion of dethroned beauty queen Ris Low from Singapore in CNN's list of Asia's 25 Most Influential People
El Salvador: The Role of the Media as Watchdogs
In El Salvador, Willian Marroquín writes about the role of the media as watchdogs for the new programs of the administration of President Mauricio Funes [es], including those from the Ministry of Education. He writes that hopefully the media would stop being ‘spokespersons’ for the government as had been the...
Bhutan: The Launch Of Drukpa
Jurmi Chhowing announces the launch of a new Bhutanese monthly news magazine, called “Drukpa”. He informs that: “the monthly magazine was born as discussion after discussion highlighted the lack of a proper bridge to gap the difference between all sections of our society.”
Sri Lanka: The Mouthpiece Of The Ruling Party
A Voice In Colombo criticizes two state owned TV channels for being biased to the “governing party” and discusses how it can affect the upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka.
South Africa: A nation in conversation with itself 140 words at a time
“Was news of Manto’s death the Hudson plane crash of South Africa? Did the passing of the controversial former minister of health mark a coming of age of Twitter in this country?,” asks South African blogger and author Sarah Britten in her post on Thought Leader titled, “How Twitter broke the news about Manto.”
Cuba: Proceeding With Caution?
Generation Y comments on Raul Castro’s speech in the Cuban National Assembly.
China: White-listing the Internet
DANWEI has translated the Beijing News’ report on the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)'s plan to white list websites on the Internet. More background can be found in GV advocacy: Online protest against CNNIC and White-listing the Internet.
South Africa: Controversial Health Minister Dies and Twitter Goes Wild
South Africa's former Health Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang passed away recently. Manto was not a stranger to controversy with dodgy views on managing HIV-AIDS using beetroot, garlic, lemons and African potatoes. She never ceased to be a favourite topic in the mainstream media and indeed the blogosphere and twittersphere.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Political Climate
Discuss SVG shares her take on the island's political situation: “I believe this is how our leaders want us to feel…powerless so they can be strengthened…”
Trinidad & Tobago: Tax Lover
This Beach Called Life writes a letter to the Trinidad and Tobago government concerning the proposed amendments to the Property Tax.
Bermuda: Injuction Update
Bermudian bloggers supply updates on the government's injunction against the island's Royal Gazette newspaper.
Australia pushes internet censorship; Twitter erupts
Australia's Communications Minister Stephen Conroy declared his determination last week to push through mandatory internet censorship of a government-defined blacklist of websites, sparking an online frenzy in blogs and on Twitter. News of the proposed internet censorship propelled the issue to a “trending topic” on Twitter for several hours, under...
China: Internet Triad Organization?
ESWN translated a CCTV article “Internet triad organization manipulates public opinion: 50,000 yuan can influence court verdict” which tries to justify the crackdown of organized-opinion making activities.
Qatar: Critiques bristle; calls to shut down popular online forum
A series of scathing posts on Qatar Living, an popular online forum, prompts locals to call for site's demise. Campaign not against all expats, says founder of anti-QL Facebook group.
Palestine/Gaza: In Preparation for the Gaza Freedom March
The start of Gaza Freedom March is just over a week away. It's aim is to show solidarity with Palestinians and raise awareness about the Gaza siege. Katharine Ganly looks at some of the events that have happened in preparation for the march.
India: From The Classified Ads
Soumyadip at Cutting the Chai was astonished to see what is being offered in the classified ads published in a Sunday Times of India supplement.
