Journalists Walk A Fine Line When It Comes To Freebies: Thai Editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Journalists walk a fine line when it comes to freebies

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Junkets and overseas trips are a minefield for those in the media, especially when justification for acceptance and tangible results cannot be made clear to the public

Travelling abroad on a press junket with politicians and officials has always been an awkward issue for those in the media industry in any country. Technically these trips are supposed to be free for reporters who are asked to go along, because they are paid for by Mr and Mrs Taxpayer. Some of these trips, such as visits to the United Nations headquarters in New York, are routine, and are made every year. But then there are those trips that are not routine, and are often planned out by particular officials.

It's often awkward for the media industry and reporters (some reporters, at least) because there is a sense of kraeng jai (polite respect) towards the officials who issue the invitations and organise the trip. After all, the money is coming out of their agency's budget.

Some publications in foreign countries make it a policy to reject such offers of junkets and overseas trips. Some go as far as to refuse a free cup of coffee from government officials. But in Thailand, the line is often blurred. Rejecting a cup of coffee or a soft drink from a government official could be deemed insulting. The working culture varies from place to place, and the bottom line is that there is no single rule that applies to all.

Nevertheless, this is not an excuse to ignore journalists' integrity and the responsibility that comes with it. In this respect, government officials who offer these "freebies" should not be let off the hook. They should be seen as part of the problem, or, in this respect, part of a solution.

For the time being, Thai governments and the media industry may not have a clear-cut policy on this sticky issue. Perhaps the best way to go about it is to treat the matter on a case-by-case basis and weigh the merits of each trip. In any case, the itinerary should be an indication.

Currently the National Press Council of Thailand and the Thai Broadcasters' Association are investigating 39 journalists, from both the print and broadcast media, who spent a week under the auspices of National Assembly House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranand during a so-called "study tour" of the UK, France and Belgium.

The trip reportedly cost the Thai taxpayer an estimated Bt7 million. But the money is not the only issue at hand - the question is whether this trip was more about perks for reporters than a meaningful assignment.

Moreover, the fact that Somsak - the generous host of a fabulous and fun trip for local journalists - is a high-profile political figure who plays a key role in the ongoing domestic political crisis and deadlock, must be taken into consideration.

It is an open secret that Thai lawmakers and bureaucrats like to take opulent overseas trips, especially towards the end of the fiscal year, to use up whatever money is left before the annual budget expires. These trips are often disguised as "study tours", with unclear objectives. Journalists are often invited and it is quite clear that such invitations come from the "generosity" of the invitees.

In more ways than one, the issue of freebies epitomises an overall malaise in the Thai media. Because of this situation, it is in the best interests of the public that individual journalists and the media industry in general go through a period of serious soul-searching about the role of watchdog and the compromises and challenges that need to be confronted.

Moreover, the fact that TV news anchor Sorrayuth Suthasanachinda is being investigated for embezzlement and bribery by the National Anti-Corruption Commission does not make this issue any easier for the media industry. If anything, it has placed the industry and the issue of media ethics under an unwanted spotlight. And as the industry decides where to go from here, it needs to keep in mind that it is accountable to the public, and that the public's best interests must be at the heart of the debate.

-- The Nation 2012-09-26

[asiawatcher]

I think any journo offered a freebie should not be in the firing line here. So what? And their employers also free of charge as to get the inside on a story at no cost is acceptable. The issue here is the reason they were there (the story?) was completely worthless and of no relevance other than to expose the obvious ways of a corrupt Govt in perhaps obtaining favourable media coverage at a future date, the result of which is now biting them on the ass.

[PoodMaiDai]

What exactly does Thailand call journalism these days?

[LuckyLew]

IMO They give freebies and other perks to those who write favorable print about them

This country is so corrupt and morally bankrupt that the line is so blurred it no longer

exists. If politicians are taking freedies, can you really blame others for wanting to get

on the gravy train?

[whybother]

Walk a fine line??? They're so far over it, they can't even see it any more.

[Thai at Heart]

I can't blame them, but just make it illegal for them to receive such perks. Is it that hard?

[fareastguy]

You can't blame the journalists for excepting a freebie holiday, it's much the same as a freebie lunch or the latest gadget which is offered by all industries or governments all over the world, just look at the advertising world for a new car, all they want in return is a favourable cover story.

Thailand is not alone in this, just look back a bit in time for example in USA, the lavish freebies taken by work colleagues & families from offices of homeland securities (correct me if I'm wrong)

The fine line is crossed by the officials who dress up a glorified holiday in the guise of a "study visit" or "business trip"

The difference being is the USA did something very open & transparent about it, prominent heads rolled, budgets were cut to the bone & justification for this kind of expenditure was changed.

Thailand no one will be out of a job, budgets will not be cut & justification for the trips will continue to be given.. T.I.T

[noitom]

i am sure glad that I don't have to go to sleep at night knowing in my heart that my job as a "reporter" for The Nation is chicanery at its best. Not journalism, but pure inconsequential "print bites" designed to avoid real subject matter.

[belg]

refuse a cup of coffee is an insult, acception a bag full of money is a compliment, in this country

[AleG]

Whatever happened with the case of journalist found getting paid to write fluff pieces for Yingluck at election time?

Everyone gets so outraged when this things happen and then... nothing.

[GentlemanJim]

I am all for the journo's getting freebies, why not, but for God's sake tell it as it is. It is not disrespectful to tell the truth, it is very disrespectful and unprofessional to tell lies in order to please someone who you perceive as 'paying the bill'. Remember the Politician is not paying the bill, the tax payer is, and the tax payer deserve the respect and the truth from the journo's.

[jcw]

What exactly does Thailand call journalism these days?

Thaksin

[simple1]

I am all for the journo's getting freebies, why not, but for God's sake tell it as it is. It is not disrespectful to tell the truth, it is very disrespectful and unprofessional to tell lies in order to please someone who you perceive as 'paying the bill'. Remember the Politician is not paying the bill, the tax payer is, and the tax payer deserve the respect and the truth from the journo's.

You would think it's a simple process. e.g. travel review writers will say flight and accommodation sponsored by...

[SICHONSTEVE]

"study tours"

What, you mean like killing whales for research purposes - I've never quite understood how killing tens of Minky whales every year for study purposes adds up.

There must either be millions of people studying whale fat formation under a microscope or assessing the effects of whale blubber on heart health (through eating it of course) as there is no other way!! The reason that it is served with rice and vegetables is to check for any interactions between the whale sample and other foods. Oh, and just as to why they have to pay for the priviledge of helping the science community well this is to fund the research. I'm unsure as to why it is carried out in a restaurant and not a lab though!!!!.

[drdoom6996]

Who Cares? Not news!

[Rionoir]

It could be seen as disrespectful to refuse a bribe... ROFLMAO

[Dag Ekeberg]

It seems people expect to be fed objective news stories but don’t want to pay for it. I say, lower your expectations.

Thailand and journalism is not a perfect match anyhow. In Thai society, you’re not supposed to question your elders or your superiors. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much the definition of journalism…

[Tanaka]

What exactly does Thailand call journalism these days?

Anything or anyone who writes positively about the redshirt mafia.

[JoeLing]

Used to get pretty nice incentives back in the UK. Holidays, weekends at the spa, golf bags, memberships, etc... Just for being .... well, who you are.

Fill in a form, give a call and a sales rep. would be there in no time. Cool, naa? There was some very generous people with big hearts around who just care of your well being.

Then every thing changed.

Education became more important than incentives for "responsible behavior" or "stress reduction". The government stept in, set some kind of maximum value for an incentive you're allowed to get, like pencils, calendars and keyring's. The government insisted we would need more study in order to meet "government standards".

So we were obliged to attend a few of this activity/dinner/study courses, mostly in some weird places far away from home and family where no one could speak your language. That gave points towards the "further education" target.

Lucky there are/where grants available for this courses, mostly sponsored by some very nice, good hearted, poor people as otherwise we could never have achieved those extreme high "governmental standards" some of our countries have at home.

So c'mon guys, don't be too rough on those journalists. It's hard enough to live in a house full of pencils, calendars and keyrings with little blue lights1 It's hard enough to be away from your kidds and wife/s for weeks. Giv'em a break, it's all just for further education, prophylactic against "burn out" and being competitive in an ever changing world.

Edited September 26, 2012 by JoeLing

[JoeLing]

I am all for the journo's getting freebies, why not, but for God's sake tell it as it is. It is not disrespectful to tell the truth, it is very disrespectful and unprofessional to tell lies in order to please someone who you perceive as 'paying the bill'. Remember the Politician is not paying the bill, the tax payer is, and the tax payer deserve the respect and the truth from the journo's.

Like the sun. daily mail back in the uk? I recon the majority of people want to be bullshited around.and the only truth is occasionally on page 3 - although even that one, at times, is just fake.