MASS MEDIA
Journalists must re-examine their own prejudices
- Published: 18 Mar 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: News
When we, the mass media, are at work, we must constantly find ways to prevent editorial interference from the state and the industry. But there is one far more dangerous interference which the mass media do not like to talk about. This meddling does not come from the government or the industry. This most dangerous interference in the media profession is our own prejudices, particularly political prejudice.
Yellow- and red-shirt supporters throw objects at each other and trade blows in a clash outside the Crime Suppression Division office on Phahon Yothin Road. By taking sides, the mass media is blamed for aggravating political divisiveness and losing professionalism. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN
We know when the government tries to interfere with our work because the moves are clear to us all. The same with the industry. But political prejudice is within our hearts. We can put up walls to protect ourselves from outsiders. We tell each other we can protect ourselves from interference from the government and money power. But when we work, many of us are defeated by our own prejudice. Ideals in the journalistic profession no longer matter. What matters is what side you are on, what side you have chosen to sympathise with.
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