Archives February 2021

African Media Freedom a Reality

If you think the African media are under threat, you’re wrong. The Third African Media Leaders Forum (AMLF) was recently held in Yaounde, Cameroon, and it is likely that the media industry in Africa is growing by the hour rather than by day, although it is constrained by a lack of funding. The forum, dedicated to the theme “Funding African Media in the Age of Uncertain Economic Models,” brought together 271 media representatives and representatives of the banking sector. The goal was to find ways to develop financial and business platforms in the industry.

Many people would be surprised to learn that Cameroon is a beacon of press freedom in Africa and an example to which all other African countries, including South Africa, should aspire. With more hope, Issa Chiroma Bakary, Cameroon’s Minister of Communications, also promised that his Government would fully support AMLF’s overall goal of creating networking opportunities that meet the highest standards of ethics, fairness and objectivity.

During a possible dig in South Africa, AllAfrica reports that one of the speakers, Alfred E. Opobor, secretary general of the West African Center for New Media and Development, said that African media are theoretically free based on the constitution of most countries. but he lacks reality because of the immaturity of political leadership. Ministers and politicians should see the press not as an enemy of progress, but as a partner. Today’s struggle in Africa for freedom of expression is aimed at making our politicians and even our businessmen understand that a free communication environment is a good issue for the economy. Development. “

Speaking about funding, Eric Chinge, head of global media development at the World Bank Institute, said most media outlets in Africa receive funding from governments and corporations. It’s bad because it undermines transparency and honest journalism. Private media companies that depend on advertising find it difficult to compete with the almost appalling state treasury, and they can find it hard to work if you don’t stick to the government’s line.

One solution, according to Chinji, is to finance banks, financial institutions, development agencies and fund managers. “That’s where the real money is. If you look at the figures, the amount of media funding from banks, financial institutions and development agencies is negligible.”

It is important to find this additional funding because, according to Hunter Gault, an award-winning SA journalist, “the media can help accelerate Africa’s economic and social progress … Africa needs strong media to record these changes. part of what could eventually lead to the rebirth of Africa. “

If only the Government of South Africa had paid attention to its other African counterparts now, we could have stopped pointing the finger and moving forward as a nation.

Hungary’s Media Freedom Burns

Hungary has enacted draconian media laws that have been widely criticized, casting a shadow over The Current EU Presidency of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The laws effectively give full control over the media to the government, which can impose fines for any alleged crime. The new laws will be vague and subject to interpretation.

One of the first victims of the new laws was radio host Attila Mong, whose personal protest included a minute’s silence in his popular show “180 Minutes.” Mong was immediately removed from office and an internal disciplinary investigation is under way. Npr.org said Mong said: “It was a matter of journalistic conscience for me. I talked to my editor, and we decided we didn’t want young reporters to ask 15 years from now, “Were you there, what did you do?” “I think it’s public journalism when something serious happens, and maybe you choose unusual and formal decisions. Notice what to do.”

These laws have caused such concern that the European Commission has launched an investigation. But the legal head of the Media Council, Gyorgy Oxko, defended the law, saying the country’s post-communist media should be limited. However, he said they would review the European Commission’s findings if it was found that the laws violated international and democratic standards. Oddly enough, Oxko said, “This “unlimited freedom of the press” has also brought negative results.”

Other Hungarian officials also defended the laws, but with more aggression than Oxko showed. State Department Secretary Jolt Nemet wrote in a blog post that “cannot escape the assumption that foreign criticism is more directed at certain economic measures”, i.e. special “anti-crisis taxes” imposed on energy, telecommunications and telecommunications, as well as on retail trade. Taxes were levied to cover the budget deficit. They will be in effect for the next three years.

Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracic said the criticisms reflected the Western world’s distrust of Central and Eastern European democracy.

Meanwhile, Hungarian opposition lawmaker and former EU commissioner Laszlo Kovacs suggests that media laws are just the tip of the iceberg, as Orban also appears to be considering rewriting the constitution to meet the political needs of himself and the Fidesz party. Kovacs cites the nationalization of some pension funds as an example. The Constitutional Court opposed the decision, so the party simply drafted a bill limiting the court’s jurisdiction.

While the world has held its breath while the EU investigates, desperately hoping that any recommendations will be taken seriously by Orban and the ruling party. Otherwise, it could be another blow to global media freedom.

An Onslaught to Media Freedom

The ongoing attack on media freedom is a threat to the rights of all.

Yesterday’s new report fails to conclude that press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in at least a decade.

The market for ideas still exists, but fundamental factors are under threat. It’s not a pretty picture. Freedom of expression and information in many places is upside down.

Turkey is a prime example of one of the worst. Examples – Philippines, Egypt, Poland, Mexico, Venezuela.

All over the world, more and more journalists are being silenced, harassed or even killed. According to the investigation, 259 people were imprisoned for political reasons last year and 79 were killed. “Global media freedom is at its lowest level since the beginning of the century,” the report warns.

It’s bad enough, but it’s not uncommon.

For almost four centuries, this metaphor has embodied the belief that in free, fair and transparent competition the best ideas always win. In democratic societies, freedom of expression, which includes freedom of expression and freedom of the press, is protected by this belief.

Threatening journalists today make this belief naive.

We are not helpless in the face of breaking the peace of our union, but we must all get out of our echo chambers and act against it.

The challenge for teachers and academic institutions is to conduct fact-checking and improve the ability of each student to make informed judgements.

For journalists and media organizations, threats must lead to an honest understanding of our actions and objectives. The attack poses a real threat to freedom of speech and the press as it begins to force political leaders to turn to draconian legislation in an attempt to retaliate.

Consider the danger. No matter how divided our communication may be on certain days, a free flow of ideas of interested citizens is preferable to better state control over our public discussions.

Dictators and powerful figures in many countries, including trade unions, have often restricted media freedom as part of their efforts to strengthen control. For example, the transition to authoritarianism in our union was accompanied by predictable pressure on the media.

The latest wrinkle is a new threat to an editorial column dated Monday, December 18, 2017, in which some personalities have made it private and public. Usually these are typical destructive gossip in our union itself, but there is a real risk that the media will start repression in other unions if the necessary measures are not taken. If the Federal Union of Modake students, among all trade unions, does not defend the principle of media freedom, why should other unions pay attention?

None of this applies to the special privileges afforded to the media. Years of experience have shown that trampling on the free press is part of a much larger attack on the rights of all.

The new FUMS Parrot report serves a useful purpose, shedding light on this threat.

durham university uk

The durham university uk is located in County Durham in the north-east of England. Two of the main attractions are the famous and popular cathedral and castle, which were built in the 11th century. The city is also home to Durham University and the infamous Durham Prison. The site has a population of about 45,000 people.

It is believed that the area was inhabited around 2000 BC, and the current city was founded in 995 AD. This area with a rich history was a popular place of carpet making and weaving in the 19th century. It then became a thriving coal region until the 1970s. Durham is also known as the site of the world’s first passenger railway, which opened in 1825.

The city is known for its hills through which the River Weir flows. It has steep shores and a lot of woodlands that make it a natural beauty. The whole of Central Durham was also declared a nature reserve in 1968. Although the cathedral and castle are known throughout the UK, the city centre also houses more than 600 category II architectural monuments.

Some of the most popular are the Elvet Bridge, St. John’s Church. Giles, Chapel of St. John’s College John, Bishop Cosin Hall, Palace Green, Royal Court, Old Elvet, St. John’s Society Cuthbert, St. John’s College John, St. John’s Church Oswald, Durham Observatory and City Hall. and the guild house, the market.

For sports fans, Durham has a cricket club and a non-championship football team. There is also an ice rink for the local Wasps hockey team, as well as a shooting range and a rowing club. There are many regattas and races on the river every year. The Durham Regatta is the second oldest in the country. The city also has a rugby club, and student sport is also very popular.

Staying in Durham hotels means that visitors are spoilt for choice because of the many attractions on offer. Durham has a fascinating history, and many old castles and houses tell stories from the past. Durham is a nature reserve, so walks around the city become a real holiday for lovers of nature, architecture and history. If you want to relax or be active, Durham is your destination. The area has several beautiful country houses, gardens and castles, and whether you’re travelling together or with children, they’re all perfect for a fun day out. You can explore the city’s past and present through a variety of attractions, and booking hotels in Durham guarantees you a safe place to stay at the end of the day.

The castles and historic houses of Durham

Durham Hotels are close to many interesting historic houses, gardens and castles. Durham Castle was built in the 12th century on the order of William the Conqueror. Located on the UNESCO World Heritage site opposite the Cathedral and in the Norman fortress, the castle is truly unique among the colleges of Durham University.

The castle is accessible to the general public through excursions, as the castle is not only a registered museum, but also a lively residential and working community. It is home to Durham University’s Founding College, where more than 100 students have studied since his stay at the university. Another attraction that enlivens history is Raby Castle. Built by the mighty Neville, the 14th century castle has been home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626.

Throughout the castle, visitors can explore bedrooms with extravagant furniture, impressive artworks and beautiful architecture. The castle also has a deer park, large walled gardens, a collection of crews and horse-drawn carriages, a playground in the woods and a gift shop. Crook Hall is a gem in the heart of the city and if you’re staying at Durham hotels, it’s worth a visit. The medieval hall of the 13th century creates an impressive backdrop for breathtaking gardens. In summer, tea with cream is offered here, it is a great place to visit all year round. Auckland Castle is another landmark, a wonderful example of the history of architecture.

Hotels and churches in Durham

Don’t forget to explore Durham’s hotels in advance if you’re planning to explore historic sites. Durham Cathedral is considered the most beautiful Norman building in Europe. It is also the burial place of St. Cuthbert, the great northern saint and the Honourable Bed, the author of the first English history. St. Andrew’s Church is a former church center consisting of a collection of two Saxon crosses dating back to the 9th century, and the Saxon church of Escombe with Roman inscriptions and sundial creates a sense of mystery, because it is not known when it was built, who built it and why. Staying in Hotels Durham, you will get closer to the best historical places.