Is the quality of news about developing countries high enough? Why is the western media full of  negative stories from Asia and other developing countries when there are so many positive things to tell. How can a news organization stay both profitable and responsible with growing consumer demands for ever-faster and more entertaining news? 

These were some of the questions discussed at a conference on journalism and social change in Asia, held from 2 to 4 June in Hong Kong, China, organized by the Baptist University of Hong Kong. Academics from China; Australia; Hong Kong, China; Sweden; United States; Singapore, and Japan also discussed whether there is such a thing as "Asian news values". They agreed that tradition, cultural values and political ideologies affect press freedom more than other variables in Asia. But they also pointed out that with the growing importance of Internet and a "marketization" of the news, the role of the media is changing. 

The function of the media has already changed in many Asian countries, including China. Earlier,  the media's only role was to be an instrument for political and ideological propaganda. Now, the media responds to the demands of the market economy which has spread throughout Asia. However, the experts concluded that the main function of the media is still political, despite its decentralization and depolitization of contents. They also pointed out that there is a desperate need for better and more ethical education of journalists in all parts of the world. 
 

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New UNIS Chief appointed

David Lazarus has been officially appointed Chief of UNIS Bangkok.  A journalist for 20 years before he joined the U.N. in 1989, Mr. Lazarus, of Malaysia, is seen here (centre) in conversation with the Foreign Minister of Thailand, H.E. Mr.Surin Pitsuwan. UNIS Information Officer, Ms. Thawadi Pachariyangkun,is at the Minister's right.