The 2008-2009 King Baudouin International Development Prize has been awarded to a team of Indonesian journalists that represent particularly well the convergence between journalism and human rights.
Created in 1999 when Indonesia was on the verge of a democratic opening the KBR68H radio news agency has become a model for the supporters of journalism in the public interest.
Based on an interactive model that promotes citizen participation, focused on “activist” issues like development, human rights, ethnic and religious tolerance, the radio has succeeded in practicing independent journalism.
This is a sharp departure from the largely discredited “development journalism” of the 60s and 70s when so-called “journalists” served as stenographers of power by highlighting the fake “achievements” of authoritarian regimes.
The experience of these brave Indonesian journalists led by Mr. Santoso, provides a new and inspiring model for those who want to blend independent and watchdog journalism with the defence and promotion of values.
At the time when the media community seems to be disillusioned by the economic crisis and the shift to new news models KBR68H demonstrates the vibrancy and usefulness of good journalism.
Their success says much about the resilience of “old media” and highlights the power of radio in countries with a high illiteracy level. 18 million people listen to KBR68H every day which makes it a particularly powerful media.
For more information, check the King Baudouin Foundation website: www.kbprize.org
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1 commentaires:
Hi, great blog, keep up the good work. I'm an intern at Amnesty New Zealand and studying journalism. I'm very interested in the relationship between human rights and journalism. I'm thinking about starting my own blog on the subject. Any tips you have would be appreciated. Best Wishes.
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