09.00 – 09.30 Welcoming Remarks
- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia
- Jonas Gahr Støre, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs
09.30 – 10.30 Plenary Session I: Identifying challenges and problems
- Increased global communication has made the world more transparent. The globalisation of the media has given us the opportunity to closely follow developments in states and regions far away from home. Within seconds, a story presented in a local newspaper can make headlines in another part of the world in a completely different context.
- The cartoon controversy was an extreme example: the publishing of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad sparked intense debate and strong emotions, and led to violence in some countries. In other countries, the decision not to publish the cartoons led to heated debates about freedom of expression.
- To what degree should journalists, editors and media owners take into account cultural and religious sensitivities in other parts of the world? Is there still a “local press” in a globalised world? Is it becoming more difficult to foster freedom of expression in an increasingly diverse and borderless global society?
Moderated by: Desi Anwar
Itroductory speeches by: Aidan White
Siri Lill Mannes
Mike Chinoy
Riz Khan
10.30 – 11.00 Coffee break
11.00 – 12.00 Plenary Session II: Freedom of expression, restrictions and diversity
- Strict press laws, defamation laws, and penal codes limit freedom of expression, and in some countries even criminalise journalism. When writing about a head of state’s family costs journalists and editors their jobs, and when refusal to disclose sources results in imprisonment, the concept of “freedom of the press” becomes meaningless.
- A further consideration is that there are different views on freedom of expression in a pluralistic and diverse society. Some believe that freedom of expression should not be used in a manner that offends religious, cultural, and historical sensibilities.
- Should a pluralistic society be more open to a pluralism of views? How can we foster freedom of expression where governments and other forces in society try to limit it ?
Moderated by: Anne Grosvold
Introductory speeches by: Philip Bowring
Mahgoub Mohamed Salih
Imtiaz Alam
12.00 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 15.00 Parallel sessions:
Session A: Journalistic professionalism in a complex and competitive media world
- Various factors can threaten the integrity of news stories today. These include increased competition, time constraints, limited access to international sources, and lack of knowledge about other parts of the world.
- One particular issue is the role of journalists in conflict situations. Do the media cover facts and describe reality, or do they create their own stories? What can be done to ensure high-quality journalism in a complex and competitive media world?
Session B: Is a global code of conduct for journalists desirable and/or possible?
- Although people may be surfing the same channels and sharing the same “information superhighway”, they do not necessarily share the same values.
- Is a global code of conduct for journalists worth discussing, or are there better ways of achieving an acceptable balance between freedom of expression and media responsibility? Can investigative journalism contribute in any way?
Session C: Do the media have a responsibility to promote understanding and tolerance?
The media often focus on conflicts and problems. At times of confrontation and conflict, politicians and certain forces in society may demand that journalists conform to a particular view. The result can be a narrow perspective, based on limited sources.
Is there a contradiction between reporting and helping to bridge gaps? What ethical dilemmas do journalists face in crises? Can stereotypes be challenged?
15.00 – 16.00 Coffee break and preparation of reports by three participants from each parallel session.
16.00 – 17.30 Plenary Session III: Presentation and discussion of the reports from the parallel sessions
Moderated by: Christine Ockrent
Summaries by: Riz Khan
Mike Chinoy
John Aglionby