Fellowship on Children and Disaster Reporting

Although we're now experiencing El Nino (which means typhoon-related disasters MAY not hit us this year), it's laudable that Probe is holding a fellowship program on disaster reporting. Dito kasi sa Pilipinas, madalas lumubog ang barko, malason ang mga tao ng pagkain, magkaroon ng malaking sunog, etc., etc. And children/young people are often the victims of these disasters. Please note that the deadline for application is on August 31.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Children and Disaster: Philippine Media Response

The Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMFI), with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will hold a fellowship program for broadcasters on reporting on disasters and emergencies, with special focus on reporting on children entitled, “Children and Disaster: Philippine Media Response” starting October 2007.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries: it ranks 2nd in Asia and 4th in the world. Yearly, the country encounters destructive typhoons, flood, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other man-made disasters that leave many dead, missing, displaced from their homes with damages amounting to billions of pesos. Media is quickly on the scene, together with disaster response and coordinating agencies. Reports are broadcast immediately and, most of the time, helped in getting aid and assistance to the affected persons and communities. However, there are also many instances where the manner in which media responds and the quality and sensitivity of the reports are questionable.

The “Children and Disaster: Philippine Media Response” fellowship helps broadcasters widen their understanding and improve their reportage on issues relating to disaster and emergency. It provides safety techniques and coping mechanisms for those who regularly cover these situations. Through UNICEF, the participants are provided with additional support to produce special reports.

The program is for fifteen (15) Filipino media practitioners working in radio and TV news and public affairs departments who are assigned to cover disaster and emergencies in their programs. Directors, Segment Producers and Reporters and writers below 50 years old are encouraged to apply.

Selected participants shall undergo the following activities:
- 3-day workshop in Manila on disaster/emergency, child issues and broadcast techniques (Oct 25 to 27, 07)

- Production of at least eight (8) minutes worth of segments relating to children and the issue of disaster/emergency in their own news/public affairs program (Nov 07 to Feb 08)

- 2-day Closing Workshop in Visayas to present and evaluate the produced and broadcasted segments (Feb/Mar 08)

Participants of the fellowship shall be provided with round-trip travel to the venues in Manila and Visayas for the two workshops, accommodations and meals, training including materials, and production costs for the delivery of the proposed projects/segments. The application form can also be downloaded from www.probefound. com.

Applications close on 31 August 2007.

Email completed application forms: info@probefound. com or probefound@yahoo. com

OR mail to: PMFI – Children and Disaster Fellowship
Unit 505 Sterten Place Condominium, 116 Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village East
Quezon City 1101 FAX: (632) 433-0457 TEL: (632) 433-04656

Grant for Photojournalists

Here's a rare grant especially for photojournalists posted in the International Journalists' Network. Take note that the deadline is on Sunday, July 15.

Photojournalists worldwide can still apply for the US$5,000 Howard Chapnick Grant, provided by the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund. Last day to apply is July 15.
Organizers say the grant is intended to encourage and support leadership in “fields ancillary to photojournalism, such as editing research, education and management.”

Activities that could be funded include a long-term sabbatical project, an internship, or a planned program of education. According to the fund’s Board of Trustees, special consideration will go to projects that promote social change or address major questions facing photojournalism.

For the application form and more details, visit http://www.smithfund.org/chapnick.html.

Nominations for Rural Media Prize

Here's an important award that recognizes the contribution of the media in rural areas.

UNESCO is now accepting nominations for a prize that honors innovative ideas that improve communication in rural, developing communities. Deadline: October 1.

The UNESCO-IPDC Prize for Rural Communication, worth US$20,000, goes out every two years to an institution or individual from an UNESCO member state. Nominees should have adopted outstanding measures to promote rural communication during the two years before nomination.

Eligible projects can include newspapers, films, broadcasting, multimedia programs, or other new or traditional forms. The award also recognizes new communication techniques adapted to the rural environment.

Click here for more information.

For other awards, fellowships, or trainings related to the media, visit the site of International Journalists' Network.

GEAD Code Provisions Related to the Media

The Baguio City Council passed Ordinance Number 333, otherwise known as the Baguio City Gender Equality and Development Code (GEAD Code), in October 2005. For those of us who aren't familiar with this landmark ordinance, it has two important provisions (under Chapter II. Penal Provisions) that affect the practice of journalism in Baguio City.

Here they are:

ARTICLE III. JUSTICE, PEACE AND ORDER

Section 54. Non-disclosure of Victims’ and Offenders’ Identities. – The confidentiality of the real names, aliases, personal circumstances, or any other information tending to establish the identities of offenders and victims shall be preserved and shall not be disclosed to the public in any manner to protect their privacy and integrity unless authorized by law or for a lawful purpose. Any purpose who violates this provision shall be penalized with 15 days’ imprisonment or payment of P5,000, or both, at the discretion of the Court. (The offenders may also be prosecuted for Revelation for Secrets under Articles 229 and 230, as the case may be, of the Revised Penal Code.)

ARTICLE V. CULTURAL IDENTITY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE<

Section 58. Prohibition Against Degrading Programs or Publication. – It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to produce or present media reports, programs or advertisements in print, broadcast, electronic, film, or other forms of media, including stage shows or presentations, that degrade or treat indigenous women, minors and children as inferior beings, or which in any manner subject them to humiliation and ridicule. Publishers, reporters, station or program mangers, producers, directors, advertisers, actors, or other persons responsible for the production or presentation of such reports, programs, or advertisements shall be penalized with a fine of P5,000.00 or imprisonment of one (1) month, or both, at the discretion of the Court. The Court may also impose suspension or revocation of the business permit or franchise to operate of the guilty party, in appropriate cases.

It seems that under Section 54, it would now be difficult for journalists to mention the personal circumstances of both victims and offenders. But who would determine that the publication of their names are for a "lawful purpose"?

For me, this provision is particularly important if the victims or offenders are minors. Although I noticed that some broadsheets do not mention the names of minor offenders, I'm disturbed that a few local dailies identify these minor offenders in their articles.

As for Section 58, I wish it included "indigenous peoples" and not just "indigenous women, minors and children" from being presented as "inferior beings, or which in any manner subject them to humiliation and ridicule." Despite this flaw, at least we have this section that would warn people involved in the media to be more careful on how they present indigenous women, minors and children.

Almost two years after its passage, the code's implementing rules and regulations are now being refined. I hope that the IRR will set out clear guidelines that will make these two sections truly effective.