Bertha Amakali
2 October 2008
(Page 2 of 2)
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
With the beginning of citizen journalism, citizens do not only consume journalism, but also produce it.
They now have not only the right to information produced by journalists, but the right to free expression in a practical form, where they can generate their own news and comment on journalists' work.
The media should educate the masses about information and communication technologies, otherwise the citizens run the risk of missing out on the digital revolution in the world.
Media literacy courses are the best way to go.
The department Media Technology at the Polytechnic of Namibia, in collaboration with Gender Links, recently held a series of media literacy workshops where 19 pupils from seven high schools in Windhoek received media education.
Media literacy is the ability to read and analyse images and implicit messages in all types of media content.
Being media literate is the first step to understanding the media and to become an active and responsible consumer.
Professor Gillmore stressed that if we don't involve the citizens they will do it anyway.
"I like the fact that anyone can say something anytime - but we need to be careful," he said.
The majority of journalists at the Highway Africa conference agreed that there is a need to work together with the citizens.
I however believe that all journalists, whether professional or citizen, should stick to the principles of media ethics, good judgment, research, accuracy, fairness and transparency.
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