This article, from the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, revolves around the idea press freedom, or specifically the lack thereof in Russia. It talks of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists urging Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to lift bans that recently denied several international journalists, including British journalist Thomas de Waal who is an editor for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, entry into the country. These journalists had worked in the country regularly. CPJ excutive director Joel Simon said that Russian authorities used a law to ban the entry of these international journalists. This law implies that journalists represent a threat to the country, though it doesn't explain how, according to Simon. Simon also notes that since 2000, 40 journalists have been denied entry into or deported from Russia, according to statistics from the Moscow-based Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (press freedom group.
I found this article extremely interesting and relevent to our group's case study involving the murder of a Russian journalist. Though less extreme, this ban of the entry of international journalists into Russia really reflects how little press freedom the country actually has. Rankings on the CPJ and Freedom House websites, among others, prove that the country pretty much has no press freedom. The law mentioned by Simon in the article implies that journalist prove to be a threat to the country-- this within itself implies that Russia doesn't want certain activities and ideas being reported on and this is a complete disregard to freedom of the press. This article proves that Russia is not improving in the areas of press freedom, but rather remaining static or even deteriorating.
By Lauren Chapman
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
President Ahmadinejad on Larry King Live
Iran's President Ahmadinejad sit's down on Larry King Live before addressing the UN. He discussed his view on the presidential race, his views on the Holocaust, and Nuclear Weapons.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Posted by Meka Brooks
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Posted by Meka Brooks
Russia: Two Journalist Brutally Attacked
Seeing that our group project consisted of the slaying of Anna Politkovskaya this topic seemed to be relevant to our media concentration.
Two journalists were brutally attacked in North Caucasus, Russia one being killed. The men were reportedly targeted for there work, journalism, and the attacks have been ordinary in Russia from recent years.
One of the men was shot to death while the other was beaten and left with a fractured skull. The attacks were on an Islamic TV reporter and an opposition newspaper editor. Russia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists and this situation concretes those thoughts to a severe degree
http://mnweekly.ru/news/20080905/55345246.html
Two journalists were brutally attacked in North Caucasus, Russia one being killed. The men were reportedly targeted for there work, journalism, and the attacks have been ordinary in Russia from recent years.
One of the men was shot to death while the other was beaten and left with a fractured skull. The attacks were on an Islamic TV reporter and an opposition newspaper editor. Russia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists and this situation concretes those thoughts to a severe degree
http://mnweekly.ru/news/20080905/55345246.html
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Venezuela wants to work with Russia on nuclear energy: Chavez
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/venezuelarussiaenergynucleardiplomacy
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on Sunday, after a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev, that he was interested in working with Russia to develop a civilian nuclear power program.
Chavez made the announcement in an almost child-like fashion, feeling the need to immediately clarify that the nuclear energy would be used for "peaceful ends of course -- for medical purposes and to generate electricity."
The fact that he assumes that WE assume he might be using this power for anything BUT peaceful ends is a little bit suspicious... especially since he has given the U.S. very few reasons to trust him.
He then went on to note that Brazil and Argentina have such programs as well.
He doesn't have to explain himself, yet he does anyway. Developing nuclear power simply because other South American countries have it is not a strong reason to get your own nuclear power source. Just because they have it, doesn't mean you need it too, Chavez.
Chavez appears to be getting defensive without anyone actually attacking his reasoning behind this decision yet.
Russia also announced Sunday that they made plans to invest tens of millions of dollars in the Venezuelan oil industry. Of course, this is only days after Russia dispatched a helpful naval fleet of warships to the Venezuelan coast, to, as Chavez put it, "increase our defense capability."
Who does Venezuela need to protect itself from? And why are they enlisting help from Russia? These questions pose deeper issues now that the Venezuela-Russia alliance is strengthening over touchy issues - oil deals, military support, nuclear support. Venezuela has not been on good terms with the U.S. for years, and of course, as of late, neither has Russia. It will be interesting to see where this relationship between the two countries goes and how the U.S. reacts to it.
--Hannah Morris
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on Sunday, after a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev, that he was interested in working with Russia to develop a civilian nuclear power program.
Chavez made the announcement in an almost child-like fashion, feeling the need to immediately clarify that the nuclear energy would be used for "peaceful ends of course -- for medical purposes and to generate electricity."
The fact that he assumes that WE assume he might be using this power for anything BUT peaceful ends is a little bit suspicious... especially since he has given the U.S. very few reasons to trust him.
He then went on to note that Brazil and Argentina have such programs as well.
He doesn't have to explain himself, yet he does anyway. Developing nuclear power simply because other South American countries have it is not a strong reason to get your own nuclear power source. Just because they have it, doesn't mean you need it too, Chavez.
Chavez appears to be getting defensive without anyone actually attacking his reasoning behind this decision yet.
Russia also announced Sunday that they made plans to invest tens of millions of dollars in the Venezuelan oil industry. Of course, this is only days after Russia dispatched a helpful naval fleet of warships to the Venezuelan coast, to, as Chavez put it, "increase our defense capability."
Who does Venezuela need to protect itself from? And why are they enlisting help from Russia? These questions pose deeper issues now that the Venezuela-Russia alliance is strengthening over touchy issues - oil deals, military support, nuclear support. Venezuela has not been on good terms with the U.S. for years, and of course, as of late, neither has Russia. It will be interesting to see where this relationship between the two countries goes and how the U.S. reacts to it.
--Hannah Morris
Italy & YouTube
The Italian Media Company- Mediaset is presenting a lawsuit against YouTube claiming that the video-sharing site distributed and exploited its commercial property,
Mediaset has accused YouTube finding at least 4,643 copies of its programming on YouTube on the date of June 10 after conducting a sample survey. They claim that the 4,643 copies of its programs represents approximately 325 hours of material.
It gets more outrageous, Mediaset, which is owned by the Berlusconi family. Silvio Berlusconi was the former Italian Prime Minister who owns a lot of private media holdings and also had control over the State media when he was Prime Minister, causing much uproar. Mediaset is claiming that its three Italian television networks have lost nearly 315,700 viewer days, which, in turn, represents lost advertising opportunities for its television programs.
Mediaset is seeking damages of at least 500 million euros ($779 MILLION US Dollars!!)
Honestly when I hear of lawsuits like this I just feel like all that matters in the end is money. Mediaset most likely has way too much money so why do they need anymore money. I get the copyright rules, everyone should be entilted to their work being protected. Maybe YouTube should give the credit to MediaSet and that will make everyone happy. but 779 MILLION dollars for lost damages? PLEASSSEE if you expect that much money you better be giving it to a good cause not to just feel the Berlusconi family anymore.
Abhisit wants PM to lift Thaksin's red passport
Democratic Party and Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to revoke the diplomatic passport of the ousted Thaksin Shinwatra, who is currently residing in England. Vejjajiva states in the article that the Prime Minister should show is integrity as Prime Minister and take away any diplomatic privileges that Thaksin currently has from having his passport.
This is considered a huge move in Thailand. Thaksin who was Prime Minister until the Council for National Security took over, was seen as an abuser of human rights, and faced charges of tax corruption. Thaksin was exiled for 17 months and was then brought back to Thailand to face charges for tax corruption.
Although Thaksin has many political supporters in Thailand, his thoughts of having any type of political career can soon be over, if they revoke his passport. If his passport his revoked he will lose all diplomatic privileges leaving him with no choice but to not return to Thailand.
Alyssa Ciambriello
This is considered a huge move in Thailand. Thaksin who was Prime Minister until the Council for National Security took over, was seen as an abuser of human rights, and faced charges of tax corruption. Thaksin was exiled for 17 months and was then brought back to Thailand to face charges for tax corruption.
Although Thaksin has many political supporters in Thailand, his thoughts of having any type of political career can soon be over, if they revoke his passport. If his passport his revoked he will lose all diplomatic privileges leaving him with no choice but to not return to Thailand.
Alyssa Ciambriello
Italian Politics and TV
As we near the 2008 presidential election in America we are constantly inundated with updates, commercials and media blasts regarding our candidates. It occurs every four years that we experience the overwhelming task of deciphering the good, the bad and the ugly. However, this is not the case in other countries, especially Italy. In Italy, it is a regular occurrence for politicians to maintain a steady position in the media no matter what time of the year. Attendance on talk shows and newscasts is common and expected. The big difference is that the political oppositions rarely, if ever, appear together to debate with one another. Thus, the viewing public get a skewed version of the truth. The politicians are never countered or attacked by an opposing view and they can avoid questions about topics that would be embarrassing or incriminating. This type of non-confrontational approach to politics would never hold up in the U.S. Our media systems are reliant on the truth and being able to question what has been said or done. This video explains just how different the way politics is played out in American and Italian media.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n6wxVZ4G40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n6wxVZ4G40
Venezuela ousts rights workers after they issue critical report
Article
President Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan government is still controlling all media outlets in the country. On Thursday night, under the order of President Hugo Chavez, two men were kicked out of the country only hours after they issued a report that said that the democratic institutions in the country have been weakened during the President's reign, which mentioned how the news media specifically cannot exercise their rights. The two men, both Human Rights Watch staffers were taken from their hotel room, to the airport where they were put on a flight to Brazil. The Venezuelan government reasoned that the men had entered the country using tourist visas, which Vivanco, one of the Human Rights Watch staffers denied.
Here is a video of the two men being taken from their hotel.
The fact that Hugo Chavez is still in power in Venezuela despite the fact that he has obviously taken away press freedom and has limited the rights of unions and judicial power is crazy. The Venezuelan government continues to come up with excuses for limiting press freedom in each and every case, but it is clear what they are doing.
by: Krystal Mason
President Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan government is still controlling all media outlets in the country. On Thursday night, under the order of President Hugo Chavez, two men were kicked out of the country only hours after they issued a report that said that the democratic institutions in the country have been weakened during the President's reign, which mentioned how the news media specifically cannot exercise their rights. The two men, both Human Rights Watch staffers were taken from their hotel room, to the airport where they were put on a flight to Brazil. The Venezuelan government reasoned that the men had entered the country using tourist visas, which Vivanco, one of the Human Rights Watch staffers denied.
Here is a video of the two men being taken from their hotel.
The fact that Hugo Chavez is still in power in Venezuela despite the fact that he has obviously taken away press freedom and has limited the rights of unions and judicial power is crazy. The Venezuelan government continues to come up with excuses for limiting press freedom in each and every case, but it is clear what they are doing.
by: Krystal Mason
Rwanda: Prosecutor Wants French Writer Convicted
Even over 14 years after the genocides, writers and those in other media outlets continue to be threatened and even some convicted for exercising what we in the United States refer to as freedom of speech. In this article which was posted September 27th prominent French writer, Pierre Pean, was being charged with defamation and incitement for racial hatred in his book "Noires Fureurs, Blancs Menteurs (Black Furies, White Liars)" which was based on the Rwandan genocide.
Pean wrote that the Tutsis had a culture of lies and deceit or were "professionals" in manipulation. He said in his book, published in 2005, that it made investigating Rwanda "an almost impossible task".
Pean is suppose to receive his judgement before the end the year. The prosecution is also requesting that the publication of the judgement appears in three French newspapers.
There are a lot of topics that are written about that may seem offensive or racist to a lot of people. However, an author should be able to speak their mind if they feel some type of way about a subject. People should be able to dislike it or even protest. However, for the author to be prosecuted seems to be cruel and unusual punishment.
By Ashley Mannings
Pean wrote that the Tutsis had a culture of lies and deceit or were "professionals" in manipulation. He said in his book, published in 2005, that it made investigating Rwanda "an almost impossible task".
Pean is suppose to receive his judgement before the end the year. The prosecution is also requesting that the publication of the judgement appears in three French newspapers.
There are a lot of topics that are written about that may seem offensive or racist to a lot of people. However, an author should be able to speak their mind if they feel some type of way about a subject. People should be able to dislike it or even protest. However, for the author to be prosecuted seems to be cruel and unusual punishment.
By Ashley Mannings
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thailand: Government Vows Reconciliation
The government of Thailand is attempting to end the dispute with the anti-government demonstrators led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy. Endorsed yesterday by the King, the government is expected to begin fully functioning next week when it declares its policies in the House. Prime Minister Somchai Wongswat has given former foreign minister and People Power Party (PPP) member Noppadon Pattama the job of designing a platform. Among the government’s list of urgent tasks include national reconciliation, the border problem with Cambodia, implementation of mega-projects, better education, foreign investment promotion, more lending for the poor and schemes to revive the sagging economy. Noppadon believes these policies and goals could be achieved within three years, which is the remaining term of the House and current government.
With the recent turmoil and unstable government system in Thailand since the military takeover in 2006, these goals and timelines signify headway in a more stable government for the people. Citizens’ rights have been severely restricted, especially in regards to limited and censored information by the media and in regards to the political, economic and legal environments. I feel that with the new cabinet, policies and goals, the government is working towards key issues that must be reformed such as education, the poor, the economy as well as foreign investments in realistic timelines.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/250908_News/25Sep2008_news01.php
Posted By: Ilana Kamens
With the recent turmoil and unstable government system in Thailand since the military takeover in 2006, these goals and timelines signify headway in a more stable government for the people. Citizens’ rights have been severely restricted, especially in regards to limited and censored information by the media and in regards to the political, economic and legal environments. I feel that with the new cabinet, policies and goals, the government is working towards key issues that must be reformed such as education, the poor, the economy as well as foreign investments in realistic timelines.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/250908_News/25Sep2008_news01.php
Posted By: Ilana Kamens
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Iran: Nation Must Control Nuclear Fuel
Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced today that Iran can no longer rely on other countries for uranium. Ahmadinejad claims his intentions are good, but many fear that his want for more nuclear fuel is in effort to make nuclear weapons. He has been saying bad things about the US and Isreal, saying "the American empire is collapsing" and calling Isreal a "cesspool". This has only added to the already heated nuclear standoff that is going on. Ahmadinejad sticks to his story saying the atomic bomb is backward thinking.
I think the U.N. and other countries are right for being nervous about Iran's sudden need for more nuclear fuel. Mahmous Ahmadinejad has a point in saying that since other countries have their own fuel Iran should too. I think their progress should be allowed but closely monitored.
Tara Diamond
I think the U.N. and other countries are right for being nervous about Iran's sudden need for more nuclear fuel. Mahmous Ahmadinejad has a point in saying that since other countries have their own fuel Iran should too. I think their progress should be allowed but closely monitored.
Tara Diamond
The price paid for blogging Iran
In Iran, blogging has become more and more popular. The problem is, the Iranian government does not like it. The government is responding to this growing popular interest of blogging by arresting dozens of bloggers. These bloggers reportedly are being detained in solitary confinement or even tortured.
Currently, bloggers Arash Sigarchi and Mojtaba Saminejad are being held in a prison in Iran. The government however has not admitted that their blogging is the reason for their imprisonment. The freedom of expression is truly being threatened in Iran. If a person cannot communicate on the internet from their own home, how are they able to report for print or television media without getting locked up?
The association of Iranian blogwriters known as Penlog is demanding answers from the Iranian government. They either want a formal charge against Saminejad or for him to be released immediately.
Currently, bloggers Arash Sigarchi and Mojtaba Saminejad are being held in a prison in Iran. The government however has not admitted that their blogging is the reason for their imprisonment. The freedom of expression is truly being threatened in Iran. If a person cannot communicate on the internet from their own home, how are they able to report for print or television media without getting locked up?
The association of Iranian blogwriters known as Penlog is demanding answers from the Iranian government. They either want a formal charge against Saminejad or for him to be released immediately.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Russia Group: Ingushetia abuses 'may spark war'
Article posted 9/23/08
This article really got my attention because it goes along with what our ending group project will be focusing on. The government in Russia is very restrictive on their press, that they will go to great measures to control it.
On Aug. 31, Magomed Yevloyev, a prominent local human rights journalist, was arrested after unboarding a plane, which also carried the president of Ingushetiya, Murat Zyazikov, who ordered the arrest. Yevloyev was then shot inside the police car, by accident according to authorities. They stated he was shot while trying to take the gun from an officer. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Yevloyev ran the website ingushetiya.ru, a major source of information in the region, and was a prominent opponent of the pro-Kremlin president Zyazikov.
Yevloyev’s death is likely to further stir up more problems in Ingushetia, which has been plagued by frequent raids and ambushes against federal forces and local authorities. Human rights groups have not accepted this account of Yevloyev's death, and the United States State Department has called for an investigation of the killing and for those responsible to be "held to account for what happened."
This article interested me not only because of the unrighteous killing of a journalist, but also what something like this can cause to a country. Most of us take for granted the freedoms we have, especially our ability of free press and speech. This country may be entering into another war because of this.
By Ashlee Newcomb
This article really got my attention because it goes along with what our ending group project will be focusing on. The government in Russia is very restrictive on their press, that they will go to great measures to control it.
On Aug. 31, Magomed Yevloyev, a prominent local human rights journalist, was arrested after unboarding a plane, which also carried the president of Ingushetiya, Murat Zyazikov, who ordered the arrest. Yevloyev was then shot inside the police car, by accident according to authorities. They stated he was shot while trying to take the gun from an officer. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Yevloyev ran the website ingushetiya.ru, a major source of information in the region, and was a prominent opponent of the pro-Kremlin president Zyazikov.
Yevloyev’s death is likely to further stir up more problems in Ingushetia, which has been plagued by frequent raids and ambushes against federal forces and local authorities. Human rights groups have not accepted this account of Yevloyev's death, and the United States State Department has called for an investigation of the killing and for those responsible to be "held to account for what happened."
This article interested me not only because of the unrighteous killing of a journalist, but also what something like this can cause to a country. Most of us take for granted the freedoms we have, especially our ability of free press and speech. This country may be entering into another war because of this.
By Ashlee Newcomb
Rwanda: Rwanda, Zambia adopt IP teleconferencing technology
By: Stefanie Merrigan
This article discussed Rwanda and Zambia's implementation of using Internet Protocol technology. They plan to use this technology for the upcoming presidential election. Teleconferencing technology and Internet broadcasting will be used not only in the presidential campaigns, but also in the parliamentary polls. In addition, this technology, which furthers the communication and media system in Rwanda will be put in all of Rwanda's public institutions to allow video conferencing of meetings. Zambia will implement this in hospitals. Until the video conferences are up and running, election proceedings will be held on the television.
I think that the use of IP teleconferencing technology and Internet broadcasting technologies is crucial in the advancement of Rwanda as a whole, in both the political and media systems. It will allow its citizens to use an advanced communication system for the first time. Steps towards modernizing technology will finally be taken, developing the broadcasting industry and media system. If ideas like this were instituted earlier in Rwanda, linking this nation to the outside world, would the genocide still have occurred?
This article discussed Rwanda and Zambia's implementation of using Internet Protocol technology. They plan to use this technology for the upcoming presidential election. Teleconferencing technology and Internet broadcasting will be used not only in the presidential campaigns, but also in the parliamentary polls. In addition, this technology, which furthers the communication and media system in Rwanda will be put in all of Rwanda's public institutions to allow video conferencing of meetings. Zambia will implement this in hospitals. Until the video conferences are up and running, election proceedings will be held on the television.
I think that the use of IP teleconferencing technology and Internet broadcasting technologies is crucial in the advancement of Rwanda as a whole, in both the political and media systems. It will allow its citizens to use an advanced communication system for the first time. Steps towards modernizing technology will finally be taken, developing the broadcasting industry and media system. If ideas like this were instituted earlier in Rwanda, linking this nation to the outside world, would the genocide still have occurred?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Iran: PALIN DISINVITED FROM IRAN PROTEST RALLY
This article discusses a planned protest rally protesting the planned appearance of the Iranian President at a meeting of the United Nations. This United Nations meeting will be the last one which President Bush will attend during his tenure as President. At this United Nations Meeting, Bush plans to addresss the fact that Iran is still pursuring nuclear work in defiance of the United States. Politicans such as Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton have been invited to attend but both have declined. I think that this meeting is very imperative to both the United States and Iran because it will help work on relations between the two countries.
Posted by Rachel Bowe
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/18/1421633.aspx?
Posted by Rachel Bowe
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/18/1421633.aspx?
Iran: "Iran warns against attack on nuclear facilities"
In this article found on MSNBC.com, the author states that "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Sunday the military would strike back against anyone targeting his country's nuclear facilities, during a parade featuring a banner calling for the end of Israel." The article continues to discuss how President Mahmoud Ahmadinejab is willing to "pull the trigger" at anyone who seems to be a threat. The United States and Israel both feel that it is imperative to not act on Iran and be standoffish. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stands strongly on his statement and believes that it is time to stop being "soft" towards enemies.
I think President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad statement should be of some concern to the US and Israel. He seems very serious about lashing out on enemies if they feel the need to act on his country. This causes some concern because no one wants to see a war break out, especially a nuclear one.
I think President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad statement should be of some concern to the US and Israel. He seems very serious about lashing out on enemies if they feel the need to act on his country. This causes some concern because no one wants to see a war break out, especially a nuclear one.
Venezuela: World Press Freedom Review
The International Press Institute released a World Press Freedom Review after Hugo Chavez and his administration decided to "tighten its grip on the press" in 2005. After this change to policy, journalists had a more difficult time reporting the stories they wanted or felt obligated to report. Also, Chavez and his administration decided to create harsher penalties for journalists after committing libel. To top it all off, Chavez passed Venezuela's Social Responsibility Law that is the expected reason for the country's drop in freedom of expression. This relates to the topic of our report that will explain why we think protests are constantly breaking out in Venezuela criticizing Chavez's government policies and power.
World Press Freedom Review
Posted by: Bridget Monaghan
World Press Freedom Review
Posted by: Bridget Monaghan
Thailand - Government Continuing Major Projects
Somchai, the new prime minister, is supporting all big infrastructure projects. Although some old policies will remain the same he will be approving many new ideas. Somchai hopes to bring electric rail to Bangkok and the surrounding areas. This project alone will cost Thailand about 770 billion dollars on top of the 62.5 billion already approved for 4,000 natural gas buses for the mass transit authority. The new cabinet will also include a few outsiders to that they can take up economic portfolios. I think all of these new ideas Somchai has brought up will be very good for Thailand and their economy. He will be able to settle the political conflict they’ve been having and hopefully end the political turmoil.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/22/politics/politics_30084047.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/22/politics/politics_30084047.php
In Italy, female editor signals women's rise
by Ashley Rosenstein
Women journalists are setting a precedent for Italian women in the workplace. But low female employment remains a problem.
When Concita de Gregorio became the editor in chief of L'Unità, a national newspaper, she said she wanted to focus on politics and daily news: "We have had enough commentary, now we need facts," she wrote in her first editorial on Aug. 26
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0916/p07s02-woeu.html
I'm suprised by the fact that Italians are so against having a woman in this type of position. I hadn't realized how split the sexes still were in Italy, and never expected such protests in this type of situation. One journalist even responded by saying "I bet now we'll see many easy recipes for working mothers and advice [in the paper] on how to behave like prostitutes when [their] husbands come home."
I also found out that Italy ranks second-lowest among Western European countries, followed by Portugal, in women's rights and social status issues.
The article also stated that "Gregorio's editorship is part of a wider trend of Italian women succeeding in the national media. In 2000, Flavia Perina became the first female editor of the far-right daily Il Secolo d'Italia, and in 2002, Daniela Hamaui became the first woman to head L'Espresso, an investigative news magazine."
Women journalists are setting a precedent for Italian women in the workplace. But low female employment remains a problem.
When Concita de Gregorio became the editor in chief of L'Unità, a national newspaper, she said she wanted to focus on politics and daily news: "We have had enough commentary, now we need facts," she wrote in her first editorial on Aug. 26
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0916/p07s02-woeu.html
I'm suprised by the fact that Italians are so against having a woman in this type of position. I hadn't realized how split the sexes still were in Italy, and never expected such protests in this type of situation. One journalist even responded by saying "I bet now we'll see many easy recipes for working mothers and advice [in the paper] on how to behave like prostitutes when [their] husbands come home."
I also found out that Italy ranks second-lowest among Western European countries, followed by Portugal, in women's rights and social status issues.
The article also stated that "Gregorio's editorship is part of a wider trend of Italian women succeeding in the national media. In 2000, Flavia Perina became the first female editor of the far-right daily Il Secolo d'Italia, and in 2002, Daniela Hamaui became the first woman to head L'Espresso, an investigative news magazine."
Defamation Suit by Italian Premier Is Rejected
by Ashley Rosenstein
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi lost a defamation suit against the magazine The Economist over a 2001 cover story that accused him of being unfit to lead Italy, the magazine said on Friday.
A court in Milan, after rejecting the libel claims of Mr. Berlusconi, one of Italy’s richest men, ordered him to pay the magazine about $35,000 for legal costs.
The April 26, 2001, issue of The Economist featured a front-page photo of Mr. Berlusconi with the headline “Why Silvio Berlusconi is unfit to lead Italy.” The accompanying article accused him of conflicts of interest, analyzed his business empire and detailed legal battles in which he was involved. The issue appeared right before parliamentary elections, which Mr. Berlusconi won.
The Economist’s article, Judge Angelo Ricciardi wrote in his decision, was completely “within the right to criticize, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.”
...
Just before he narrowly lost a bid for re-election in 2006, the magazine published a cover story headlined “Basta, Berlusconi” (“Enough, Berlusconi”).
In July of this year, The Economist accused Mr. Berlusconi of using his third term as prime minister largely to pursue what it called his “personal and corporate interests.” That article had the headline “Berlusconi fiddles, Italy burns,” was accompanied by a caricature of him looking like the Roman emperor Nero, and said, “There is no hint of debate on the liberalizing measures that Italy’s hidebound economy badly needs.”
I think that this article is very interesting because it discusses the Prime Minister losing a defamation lawsuit that most people would expect him to win. As someone so high up in the economic chain, Berlusconi was expected to win this case. This article helped me find out about the Italian constitution when it said "was completely 'within the right to criticize, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.'" Article 21, as I found on another website, states that: "everybody has the right to freely express his own thought through words, writing, and any other means...";
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi lost a defamation suit against the magazine The Economist over a 2001 cover story that accused him of being unfit to lead Italy, the magazine said on Friday.
A court in Milan, after rejecting the libel claims of Mr. Berlusconi, one of Italy’s richest men, ordered him to pay the magazine about $35,000 for legal costs.
The April 26, 2001, issue of The Economist featured a front-page photo of Mr. Berlusconi with the headline “Why Silvio Berlusconi is unfit to lead Italy.” The accompanying article accused him of conflicts of interest, analyzed his business empire and detailed legal battles in which he was involved. The issue appeared right before parliamentary elections, which Mr. Berlusconi won.
The Economist’s article, Judge Angelo Ricciardi wrote in his decision, was completely “within the right to criticize, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.”
...
Just before he narrowly lost a bid for re-election in 2006, the magazine published a cover story headlined “Basta, Berlusconi” (“Enough, Berlusconi”).
In July of this year, The Economist accused Mr. Berlusconi of using his third term as prime minister largely to pursue what it called his “personal and corporate interests.” That article had the headline “Berlusconi fiddles, Italy burns,” was accompanied by a caricature of him looking like the Roman emperor Nero, and said, “There is no hint of debate on the liberalizing measures that Italy’s hidebound economy badly needs.”
I think that this article is very interesting because it discusses the Prime Minister losing a defamation lawsuit that most people would expect him to win. As someone so high up in the economic chain, Berlusconi was expected to win this case. This article helped me find out about the Italian constitution when it said "was completely 'within the right to criticize, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.'" Article 21, as I found on another website, states that: "everybody has the right to freely express his own thought through words, writing, and any other means...";
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Russia Group
4 Journalists Attacked 2 killed
Reported 9/5/2008 in The
Two Russian journalists from Islamic TV where shot Tuesday August 26 2008. One, of the two men, Telman Alishaev, was killed and the other escaped with a skull fracture. The following day as Alishaev lay dying in his hospital bed, Newspaper Journalist Miloslav Bitokov was assaulted outside his home in the city of
The importance of such an article cannot be understated in a blog in which we are discussing freedom of the press in various countries. Though this article was published at the beginning of the month it is still a recent reminder of the dangers facing agents of the press in
2 journalists attacked, 1 killed in South Russia
For More Information on the Northern Caucuses
Posted by: Peter Snyder
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thailand Group
The leader of the People Power party, Somchai, is finally making strides towards becoming the Prime Minister in Thailand. But this was only done after he received approval from five coalition partners and a rebel faction on September 16, 2008. The photo highlighting the article shows the six coalition members holding hands and smiling. I believe that this recent step will help calm some of the political tension prevalent in Thailand currently. Calm is something that Thailand desperately needs because the instability in government has been harmful to the economy and discouraging to tourists.
One other thing that I found particularly interesting is that Somchai is the brother-in-law to Mr. Thaksin, the deposed Prime Minster of Thailand who is now under warrant for arrest. I am interested to see how the public will view Somchai because of this family tie.
http://library.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
One other thing that I found particularly interesting is that Somchai is the brother-in-law to Mr. Thaksin, the deposed Prime Minster of Thailand who is now under warrant for arrest. I am interested to see how the public will view Somchai because of this family tie.
http://library.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Politics of Rwanda
After its military victory in July 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front organized a coalition government loosely based on the 1993 Arusha accords. The National Movement for Democracy and Development – Habyarimana's party that had instigated and implemented the genocidal ideology – along with the CDR (another Hutu extremist party) were banned, with most of its leaders either arrested or in exile. It is not clear whether any Hutu parties are currently allowed in Rwanda. After the 1994 genocide, the RPF installed a single-party "coalition-based" government. Paul Kagame became Vice-President. In 2000, he was elected president of Rwanda by the parliament.
President Paul Kagame in 2007
A new constitution, written by the Kagame government, was adopted by referendum in 2003. The first post-war presidential and legislative elections were held in August and September 2003, respectively. Opposition parties were banned until just before the elections, so no true opposition to the ruling RPF existed. The RPF-led government has continued to promote reconciliation and unity amongst all Rwandans as enshrined in the new constitution that forbids any political activity or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion. Right of return to Rwandans displaced between 1959 and 1994, primarily Tutsis, was enshrined in the constitution, but no mention of the return of Hutus that fled Kagame's RPF forces into the Congo in the great refugee crisis of 1994-1998 or subsequently, is made in the constitution. Nevertheless, the constitution guarantees "All persons originating from Rwanda and their descendants shall, upon their request, be entitled to Rwandan nationality" and "No Rwandan shall be banished from the country."
By law, at least a third of the Parliament representation must be female. It is believed that women will not allow the mass killings of the past to be repeated. Rwanda topped a recently conducted global survey on the percentage of women in Parliament with as much as 49 percent female representation, currently the highest in the world.
The Senate has at least 26 members, each with an 8 year term. Eight posts are appointed by the president. 12 are elected representatives of the 11 provinces and the city of Kigali. Four members are designated by the Forum of Political Organizations (a quasi-governmental organization that currently is an arm of the dominant political party); one member is a university lecturer or researcher elected by the public universities; one member is a university lecturer or researcher elected by the private universities. Any past President has permanent membership in the Senate. Under this scheme, up to 12 appointees to the Senate are appointed by the President and his party. The elected members must be approved by the Supreme Court. The 14 Supreme Court members are designated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies has 80 members, each with a 5 year term; 24 posts are reserved for women and are elected by province; 53 posts can be men or women and are also are elected by local elections; 2 posts are elected by the National Youth Council; 1 post is elected by Federation of the Associations of the Disabled.
The President and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies must be from different political parties. The President is elected every 7 years, and may serve a maximum of 2 terms. In 2006, however, the structure of the country was reorganized. It is unclear how this affects current elected representation proportions.
The current Rwandan government, led by Paul Kagame, has been praised by many for establishing security and promoting reconciliation and economic development, but is also criticized by some for being overly militant and opposed to dissent. The country now has many international visitors and is regarded as a safer place for tourists, with only a single isolated mortar attack in early 2007 around Volcanoes National Park near Gisenyi.
With new independent radio stations and other media arising, Rwanda is attempting a free press, but there are reports of journalists disappearing and being apprehended whenever articles question the government. The transmitter for Radio France International was banned by the government in Rwanda in 2006 when it became critical of Kagame and the RPF.
Posted by:- Rachel Paul
President Paul Kagame in 2007
A new constitution, written by the Kagame government, was adopted by referendum in 2003. The first post-war presidential and legislative elections were held in August and September 2003, respectively. Opposition parties were banned until just before the elections, so no true opposition to the ruling RPF existed. The RPF-led government has continued to promote reconciliation and unity amongst all Rwandans as enshrined in the new constitution that forbids any political activity or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion. Right of return to Rwandans displaced between 1959 and 1994, primarily Tutsis, was enshrined in the constitution, but no mention of the return of Hutus that fled Kagame's RPF forces into the Congo in the great refugee crisis of 1994-1998 or subsequently, is made in the constitution. Nevertheless, the constitution guarantees "All persons originating from Rwanda and their descendants shall, upon their request, be entitled to Rwandan nationality" and "No Rwandan shall be banished from the country."
By law, at least a third of the Parliament representation must be female. It is believed that women will not allow the mass killings of the past to be repeated. Rwanda topped a recently conducted global survey on the percentage of women in Parliament with as much as 49 percent female representation, currently the highest in the world.
The Senate has at least 26 members, each with an 8 year term. Eight posts are appointed by the president. 12 are elected representatives of the 11 provinces and the city of Kigali. Four members are designated by the Forum of Political Organizations (a quasi-governmental organization that currently is an arm of the dominant political party); one member is a university lecturer or researcher elected by the public universities; one member is a university lecturer or researcher elected by the private universities. Any past President has permanent membership in the Senate. Under this scheme, up to 12 appointees to the Senate are appointed by the President and his party. The elected members must be approved by the Supreme Court. The 14 Supreme Court members are designated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies has 80 members, each with a 5 year term; 24 posts are reserved for women and are elected by province; 53 posts can be men or women and are also are elected by local elections; 2 posts are elected by the National Youth Council; 1 post is elected by Federation of the Associations of the Disabled.
The President and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies must be from different political parties. The President is elected every 7 years, and may serve a maximum of 2 terms. In 2006, however, the structure of the country was reorganized. It is unclear how this affects current elected representation proportions.
The current Rwandan government, led by Paul Kagame, has been praised by many for establishing security and promoting reconciliation and economic development, but is also criticized by some for being overly militant and opposed to dissent. The country now has many international visitors and is regarded as a safer place for tourists, with only a single isolated mortar attack in early 2007 around Volcanoes National Park near Gisenyi.
With new independent radio stations and other media arising, Rwanda is attempting a free press, but there are reports of journalists disappearing and being apprehended whenever articles question the government. The transmitter for Radio France International was banned by the government in Rwanda in 2006 when it became critical of Kagame and the RPF.
Posted by:- Rachel Paul
Hi, my name is Rachel Paul. I am technically a junior but I will be graduating a year early. My major is journalism and Im doing a minor in English. My focus is on Print Journalism. Im originally Indian but Ive lived in Dubai all my life. I like reading books on countries and politics. I also like to write. I have my own blog if anyones interested in checking it out. ryp5024@blogspot.com
Its just some articles I have written and some which I have gotten published.
Living in the states is a new experience for me and I am enjoying it.
Its just some articles I have written and some which I have gotten published.
Living in the states is a new experience for me and I am enjoying it.
Venezuela Group
Last week Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez decided to kick American ambassador Patrick Duddy out of Venezuela, and recalled his own ambassador back from America as well. Chavez claims the U.S is responsible for backing reform movements within his country and Bolivia. Chavez also said that he will cut off Venezuelan crude oil supplies to the United States if America decides to fight Venezuela. This story is relevant because Venezuela happens to be America's fourth largest oil supplier in the world.
Chavez at it again
By: Mike Ramsingh
Chavez at it again
By: Mike Ramsingh
Thursday, September 11, 2008
HI
My name is Alyssa Ciambriello and I am currently a senior majoring in public relations with minors in business and international studies. This past semester I studied abroad in Barcelona where I was able to travel around Europe and see different parts of the world. I have had two previous internships, one with Fox News and the other with Hearst Magazines where I was able to gain valuable experience.
The Russia Group
My name is Johnny D'Eletto I am a junior, with a major in journalism. I am from Hillsdale, NJ. I just transferred to this school form William Paterson in NJ because I have always wanted to come here.
Venezuela Group - Pseudo Event
Jamie Lynn Spears, a Nickelodeon superstar and the sister of Miss. Britney Spears, announced that she was pregnant last fall at the age of 16. It was big news to some, but teenage girls get pregnant often and the media blew Jamie's story out of proportion. I would most definitely call this a pseudo event. The example is from Access Hollywood, which often airs pseudo events, but other major television networks aired similar reports. Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2KXpBdO3zA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2KXpBdO3zA
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Psuedo Event- Rwanda Group
Heath Ledger's death was used as a publicity stunt to promote the movie Dark Knight in which he was starring. Other actors in the movie were also under speculation of being 'cursed' by movie critics saying this was brought on by the film.
www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24130717-5001021,00.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHZ4lsaNdJQ
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Thailand Group
Hi my name is Amanda Bradford. I'm a junior at Penn State and am studying Media & International studies, with a minor in German.
I was born in Sweden, I grew up all over California, then was recruited to Penn State for water polo. I speak Swedish, a little bit of Spanish, and am working on my fluency in German. I have a brother who just graduated from UCSB (University California at Santa Barbara). My parents moved to Orlando, Florida so my dad can get his PHD at UCF (University of Central Florida).
I love to travel, meet new people, and I love to talk and have my voice heard.
:o)
I was born in Sweden, I grew up all over California, then was recruited to Penn State for water polo. I speak Swedish, a little bit of Spanish, and am working on my fluency in German. I have a brother who just graduated from UCSB (University California at Santa Barbara). My parents moved to Orlando, Florida so my dad can get his PHD at UCF (University of Central Florida).
I love to travel, meet new people, and I love to talk and have my voice heard.
:o)
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Venezuela Group
Hi!
My name is Bridget Monaghan and I'm a Penn State senior double majoring in journalism and international studies with a minor in Spanish. I am currently a copy editor for The Daily Collegian, a member of the co-ed honor fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, and I hope to dance this year for THON. I studied in Madrid, Spain last spring semester and had the time of my life. I also interned in Atlanta with CNN International over the summer for a show called World Report. The past 9 to 10 months have been exciting and eye-opening and I can't wait to find new adventures after I graduate in May. I'm a little unsure about what I want to do, but the plan for now is to take the LSAT in December and apply for multiple jobs & law schools. Enjoy our blog!
Hey
My name is Mike Silvestri and I'm a 5th year student at Penn State. Currently I'm torn between graduating along with getting a job or spending more time at the greatest school in the world.So far it's been happy valley.
That is all
Peace
James Woodring: I'm a Sr., graduating this semester. I love all sports, especially the Philly teams and Penn State Football of course. I frequently drink, like most of us, and enjoy blacking out on occasion. I also enjoy sleeping in, animals, and females. I hope to one day be an actor but for now I'm getting a degree in broadcast journalism, and hope to be working at a television station in the spring.
My name is Bridget Monaghan and I'm a Penn State senior double majoring in journalism and international studies with a minor in Spanish. I am currently a copy editor for The Daily Collegian, a member of the co-ed honor fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, and I hope to dance this year for THON. I studied in Madrid, Spain last spring semester and had the time of my life. I also interned in Atlanta with CNN International over the summer for a show called World Report. The past 9 to 10 months have been exciting and eye-opening and I can't wait to find new adventures after I graduate in May. I'm a little unsure about what I want to do, but the plan for now is to take the LSAT in December and apply for multiple jobs & law schools. Enjoy our blog!
Hey
My name is Mike Silvestri and I'm a 5th year student at Penn State. Currently I'm torn between graduating along with getting a job or spending more time at the greatest school in the world.So far it's been happy valley.
That is all
Peace
James Woodring: I'm a Sr., graduating this semester. I love all sports, especially the Philly teams and Penn State Football of course. I frequently drink, like most of us, and enjoy blacking out on occasion. I also enjoy sleeping in, animals, and females. I hope to one day be an actor but for now I'm getting a degree in broadcast journalism, and hope to be working at a television station in the spring.
The Thailand Group
Hi,
my name is Marley Lynch. I am a senior in Advertising with a minor in Art History and International Studies. I am from New Jersey, spent last semester in Rome, and am a big fan of rainbow sprinkles and the color green.
Cheers!
My name is Ilana Kamens. I am a Senior with a Public Relations major and minors in Political Science and International Studies. I am originally from Lower Merion, which is outside of Philadelphia. Last semester I was abroad in Barcelona, which I loved. I spent the summer in Philadelphia doing a PR internship. I like the beach, the Phillies and traveling.
my name is Marley Lynch. I am a senior in Advertising with a minor in Art History and International Studies. I am from New Jersey, spent last semester in Rome, and am a big fan of rainbow sprinkles and the color green.
Cheers!
My name is Ilana Kamens. I am a Senior with a Public Relations major and minors in Political Science and International Studies. I am originally from Lower Merion, which is outside of Philadelphia. Last semester I was abroad in Barcelona, which I loved. I spent the summer in Philadelphia doing a PR internship. I like the beach, the Phillies and traveling.
The Russia Group
My name is Ashlee Newcomb, I am a junior in the Journalism major. I am also minoring in Psychology and Spanish. I was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, about 10 minutes outside of D.C. I chose Penn State because I love the large campus atmosphere and of course Penn State football!
My name is Lauren Chapman and I am a junior pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and French. I was born in Surrey, England (not too far outside of London), but I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. I love singing, reading, photography, traveling and my family. I hope to one day live abroad somewhere for a little while and I would like to pursue an international career, if possible.
My name is Lauren Chapman and I am a junior pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and French. I was born in Surrey, England (not too far outside of London), but I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. I love singing, reading, photography, traveling and my family. I hope to one day live abroad somewhere for a little while and I would like to pursue an international career, if possible.
The Rwanda Group
Hi my name is Stef Merrigan. I am a junior majoring in public relations with a minor in business. I am from West Chester, PA. I love sports and my goal is to work for the NFL when I graduate. My love for football was ultimately my deciding factor for choosing Penn State!
Hi, my name is John William Giblin and I am a senior majoring in Journalism and Spanish with way too many minors to mention. I've written for various newspapers, studied abroad in Italy and spent 6 years in the Army. I'll finally be graduating this fall.
Hi, my name is John William Giblin and I am a senior majoring in Journalism and Spanish with way too many minors to mention. I've written for various newspapers, studied abroad in Italy and spent 6 years in the Army. I'll finally be graduating this fall.
The Iran Group
Hey
My name is Meka Brooks, Im 21 and a senior up here in Happy Valley. I'm doing a double major in English and Broadcast Journalism. Im hoping to graduate SP 09 so I can move back to NYC.
My name is Meka Brooks, Im 21 and a senior up here in Happy Valley. I'm doing a double major in English and Broadcast Journalism. Im hoping to graduate SP 09 so I can move back to NYC.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
WELCOME TO THE MEDIA MONITORING BLOG
Welcome to the Media Monitoring Blog of media systems around the world. This is an effort by the students of mass media to contribute to the understanding of national media systems. This semester we will be focusing on eight countries:
As we know, a media system consists of many elements and is constantly being influenced by many factors including:
How to navigate the Media Monitoring Blog:
Each posting will be labelled and these labels work as keywords for the reader to search through the blog. You would likely find the following keywords on the sidebar of this Blog:
Therefore, a reader looking for something related to Youtube being banned in Thailand would look for keywords (located on the siderbar of this Blog) such as:
"Thailand"
"Internet"
"YouTube"
and click on one of these keywords to find the relevant link.
Have fun reading and blogging!
Ming Kuok, LIM
Course Instructor
- Burma
- China
- Croatia
- Iran
- Italy
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Russia
As we know, a media system consists of many elements and is constantly being influenced by many factors including:
- The Cultural Characteristics (culture, religion, political heritage, etc) of the country
- The Media Philosophies of the country
- Media Law and Regulations in that country
- The various ways of Financing of media and the Ownership of the media
- The issue of Accessibility (related to Distribution) of the media
- News Reporting and Journalistic Norms of the country
- The Import and Export of the Media (related to Diversity of the Media)
- The Audience or the local consumer
- The Media Content itself (print, broadcast, Internet, new media, etc)
- World events, other national media systems, etc
How to navigate the Media Monitoring Blog:
Each posting will be labelled and these labels work as keywords for the reader to search through the blog. You would likely find the following keywords on the sidebar of this Blog:
Italy, Iran, Thailand, China, Russia, Mexico, Burma, Croatia, etc
Media Content, Laws, Population, Culture, Language, Banned, Hugo Chavez, Audience, Radio, Television, Internet, telenovela, Film, Blog,YouTube
Therefore, a reader looking for something related to Youtube being banned in Thailand would look for keywords (located on the siderbar of this Blog) such as:
"Thailand"
"Internet"
"YouTube"
and click on one of these keywords to find the relevant link.
Have fun reading and blogging!
Ming Kuok, LIM
Course Instructor
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