0 Press independence to be discussed

A seminar on the independence of local media outlets and their coverage of the gubernatorial election process will be organized on Thursday. The upcoming election has become a hot topic for local news outlets. However, the ability of the outlets to stay independent and neutral in the political process had long been a contested issue among candidates, observers and even the journalists themselves. 

“We are deeply disturbed by the news published in the biggest local media in Bali that ignored the journalistic code of ethics,” chairman of Bali Media Association, Wisnu Wardanam, said. He referred to Bali Post, the island’s biggest daily that is owned and controlled by Satria Naradha, the arch-nemesis of incumbent governor Made Mangku Pastika. For at least a year, the daily has continuously published biased stories that portray Pastika as a failed leader, while at the same time dedicating a large space to promote Pastika’s estranged deputy governor and election rival, AA Puspayoga. 

AMA will organize a seminar on press independence on Thursday, Feb. 28, at D’Cost restaurant in Renon, Denpasar. The discussion will be attended by the press community, students, academics and many of Bali’s prominent figures. “We are eager to discuss the recent condition of press independence prior the gubernatorial election. We hope through the discussion, we could find the best way to deal with this problem,” he said.

source : bali daily