Shabait.com (Asmara)
17 April 2008
opinion
Asmara — Endeavors by the Ministry of Information to develop advanced, credible, free and responsible media outlets acceptable and influential at the regional and international level have borne fruitful outcome.
This was disclosed at a meeting underway at Hager Medial Hall, within the premises of the Ministry of Information, under the theme "Media Strategy vis-à-vis National Challenges."
In a detailed paper he presented at the opening session, Mr. Ali Abdu, from the Ministry of Information, underlined that in this present epoch, information is playing a leading role in promoting the all-round progress of societies thanks to technological advancement. He further indicated that there exists a wide gap between those world powers that exercise exclusive monopoly over information and the societies which are still isolated from the process. On top of this, Mr. Ali explained that the western media establishments that lack professionalism, ethics and morality on the one hand, and the hollow advocacy regarding press freedom aimed at inculcating wrong understanding of the concept on other societies on the other, has negatively influenced peoples' free choice, decisions and interests, thereby exposing most regions of the world to confusion.
Indicating that the correlation that exists between press freedom and interests in the western world enables one to have a balanced understanding of the scenario, Mr. Ali in the extensive analysis he presented under the title "Western Media Strategy in Manufacturing Consent" outlined the subtle ploys employed by the western mass media to achieve their set target. He pointed out that although much is being done to advocate freedom of expression as part of human rights, nonetheless in practice there exists a double standard as regards media work around the world, even in those western countries that claim to be so-called champions of democracy. As is the case in the economic sphere, in the media too there is no equal rights, be it in interest or utilization, he added. Mr. Ali elaborated that most media outlets, especially in the western world, are owned by big corporations and strive to serve their narrow interests. He also shed light on monopolistic ploys employed to control the mass media.
Mr. Ali Abdu went on to underline that at a time when major powers are striving to ensure their domination through applying strong pressure against other peoples, in a bid to hinder the development of mass media that safeguards the latter's free choice and reinforce their values and culture, people in the developing world should remain vigilant about the distorted and deceptive smear campaign on the part of western nations. In this respect, he stressed the need for voicing deep concern regarding such domination and injustice, by developing media outlets that safeguard their culture, identity and political liberation.
In this regard, Mr. Ali pointed out that substantial investment has been made in terms of technological and human resource capacity so as to develop the nation's media organs, and thus expand their coverage. He further emphasized that the national mass media is working diligently by paying special attention to neighboring countries and people and with a view to fosteri a united voice and spirit of cooperation among them.
In conclusion, Mr. Ali stated that Eritrean national mass media, which operates on the basis of truth and balanced approach, has secured wide acceptance and credibility in the region for the due contribution it has made in standing alongside oppressed people, as well as combating injustice and acts of transgression. Moreover, Mr. Ali underscored that the servant TPLF regime's resort to jamming activities in a futile bid to muffle the Eritrean mass media attests to the effectiveness of the national media.
Following this detailed analysis, heads of different departments and branches in the Ministry presented their work program.
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