Perspectives

By Sreelata Menon — 'The Hoot'

When Greta Garbo asked the world to 'leave me alone', the international media hesitated, but by and large did so. This was possible primarily because she was able to effectively keep them at bay, and, more importantly, because most media houses followed some semblance of a moral code they operated well within. The world and its media were then in perhaps a much less commercial and a touch more kindly place.

Tragically, journalists in Pakistan are under fire not only from shadowy security agencies and religious extremists. They must also contend with local hooligans, often supporters of one or the other political party or belonging to a particular group, says Pakistan's 'The Dawn' editorial on Jan 2.

By Hector Bryant L. Macale — 2009 Asia Media Forum Fellow*

Impunity manifests itself in various ways. One example is the abuse of defamation and other laws by influential political figures to stifle press freedom and free expression.

By Hector Bryant L. Macale — 2009 Asia Media Forum Fellow*
 
MANILA — The Nov. 23, 2009 abduction and massacre of 57 individuals, including at least 31 journalists and media practitioners, in the Philippines’ Maguindanao province, reflects the unprecedented level of violence and prevailing culture of impunity in the Philippines. The grisly attack in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao — considered the worst election-related incident in the country’s history — also highlights the dangerous conditions in which Filipino journalists have to work.  

By Nalaka Gunawardene

On Dec. 26, 2009, we mark the fifth anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, one of the biggest and deadliest disasters in history. It left a trail of destruction across South and Southeast Asia, killing more than 225,000 and shattering the lives of millions.

By Umarul Farooque*
 
Nepal is at a crossroads. It's what the Nepali politicians and media call the transition period. But the country has a long way to go. It is not easy for any government to lead a country that was economically shattered and socially divided. Everybody speaks of inclusiveness. The word sounds good, except that nobody seems true to their word.