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Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on journalists to reshape and revive professionalism in the news industry.
He told the Global Journalism Forum in Bangkok that journalists should think about what differentiates them from the general public. “What makes you a professional journalist, versus someone who can just post or upload anything online, versus someone who just shares a story they received.”
He said the answer is three-part. “You can’t just report, because anyone can be a reporter these days, but one of the most important things that makes you a professional journalist is that you fact-check for the consumer, for the people.”
But simply knowing the truth or wanting to tell it is not enough, he said. “The second part requires courage. Because in order to pursue and spread the truth, you will encounter obstacles. And critically, your job is to hold those in power accountable.”
“As a whole, you should also take steps to ensure that there is a good framework or environment to protect your colleagues at work. That means workplace rules, the laws of the country. You should actively ensure that this environment can be formed.”
The third challenge is to resist dogma, the former Thai prime minister added. “I want to rise above political dogma – and economic dogma, and narrative dogma that many groups create or perpetuate for their own benefit and profit. The importance of resisting that dogma is what makes you a professional journalist – balanced and impartial.”
He said the importance of truth, the courage to face power and the determination to resist dogma are not only necessary but urgent.
“Now, many of us are concerned about the risk of spreading violence, conflict and war, and despite all the technological advances humanity has made, many of us see the lost opportunities that could have been created. So, now is the time to renew and reinvigorate your professionalism. The importance of truth, courage and resistance to dogma is the way forward and the future of journalism.”
Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Global Journalism Forum in Bangkok on July 18, 2024. The event was co-organized by Thai Public Broadcasting Corporation (Thai PBS), Thailand’s first public broadcaster. The full speech can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3pTXLpSMpck?si=gXDOmvi5bVmxKTuy
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