Global Media News

Costa Rican Officials forced to Resign

    Since releasing the media reform draft bill, MICITT Ministers Allan Ruiz and Gisella Kooper have been under a lot of ridicule. It was uncovered that they copied exact parts of other countries laws that are currently in force. Regulations in Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico and Spain are apparent throughout several articles of the bill.

According to the Panamapost, the National Chamber of Radio and Television of Costa Rica (CANARTEL) made a forum comparing the laws enforced in those countries and the bill. For example researchers from the forum give an example that the proposals that demand that 30 percent of radio frequencies are handed over to local radio stations are an exact copy of Article 22 of a recent media law in Peru. Lawyer for that CANARTEL responded by saying ...

“We can’t accept the government bill, not even as a document to provide a basis for discussion, because the textual copy of laws from other countries is evident, and it doesn’t reflect the reality of the country,” 

They both have took full responsibility for their actions.Their task was to establish what information is false what what falls out the parameters of good taste. They both failed to oversee what information was going in the new law.The Vice President Allan Ruiz admitted to not having read over the bill.

    Costa Rica's President Luis Guillermo Solis asked both Ruiz and Kopper to step down, on the grounds of “failing at the hour of supervising the elaboration and content”. In an article from Tico Times, Solis says...

“Today and always, we are going to defend freedom of expression and press freedom because they are fundamental principles of a democracy that is an example to Latin America and the world. We are not going to permit anyone to tarnish these principles.”

President Gisella Kopper has resigned, she says that the document was a "big human error" and wanted to improve the text before taking to the legislative process. According to an article in La Nacion, Kopper says she stepped down because she has "lost confidence" in Allan Ruiz her VP. He has refused to step down with nothing to confess. In an interview with La Nacion, he states The objective of this law isn’t to promote anything in this sense [of controlling content] but to ensure that media outlets don’t make an inefficient use of the radio spectrum..Everything that has to do with content won’t be in the final version."

    The Vice President Allan Ruiz plans to take several weeks to prepare the bill, it will be presented in June for revision prior to presenting it to congress. Hopefully with a stronger replacement for the former President Gisella Kopper, he could learn from him mistakes and prepare a bill that suits his country and it's people.

British Journalist John Cantlie, Captive by ISIS, Appears in New Video

"A video grab from the YouTube film believed to show hostage John Cantlie walking round the Iraqi city of Mosul. Photograph: PA"   

     ISIS has released a new propaganda video featuring British journalist John Cantlie reporting on the conditions ISIS is working through on Aleppo in Syria.  The video seems to be propaganda to show that ISIS is still strong and well, despite the bombings and attacks made on their lands.  

"The photojournalist presents the documentary-style clip in English, claiming that “life in Mosul is business as usual” and that media reports suggesting the city is “depressed” and “living in fear” are “misleading”." (The Guardian) 

"Cantlie also shows a religious school and a court, where he explains that Islamic Sharia law "is 1,400 years old. And it is the rule of God, the rule of Allah. And therefore it cannot be changed." He cites, for example, that the punishment for robbery is having one's hand cut off."  (CNN) 

    British journalist, Cantlie has made several videos for ISIS while hostage, but this latest video leaves wide room for speculation on his life, calling this "the last of this series.  This gives people around the world an erie feeling and a reminder that Cantlie is still at risk of survival.  Many people have bashed Cantlie, claiming that he is a trader for making these ISIS videos, creating these propaganda videos to lure others from the West to join ISIS.  He has been held hostage for over two years by ISIS, becoming captive in November 2012.  Cantlie is dressed in casual civilian wear in the latest video, as to show he is just a ordinary citizen speaking of the every day activities he views around him.  Being hostage, Cantlie, strangely calm in the recent video series for ISIS, and is clearly under duress, doing all that he can to stay alive.  

"Cantlie refers to the latest video as "the last film in this series." He does not discuss his fate as a hostage, though he has previously commented on threats to his life. The videos he is forced to make are well liked in the jihadist community, considering that a number of accounts on social media have advocated for ISIS to keep Cantlie alive so he could continue creating the propaganda films."  (Newsweek) 

Pleas for Cantlie's freedom have been sent to ISIS by his family members.  

"His family have repeatedly called on Isis to set him free, with Cantlie's father Paul, 80, sending a message to Isis appealing for his son's freedom. He died shortly afterwards.

Jessica Cantlie, his sister, has previously appealed for “direct contact” with the extremist militants holding him."  (independent.ie)  

For those of you who are curious to watch the recently released video by ISIS with British Journalist Jogn Cantlie, you can check it out here, using the link.

If you would like more information or would like to help out by joining in demonstrations, there is a FaceBook page called "Free John Cantlie".

Al Jazeera Journalist Released From Egyptian Prison, Two Others Remain

    According to Wadah Khanfar, writing for theguardian.com, Peter Greste, journalist for al-Jazeera, was released from an Egyptian prison after 400 days.  Khanfar and his two fellow journalist were arrested due to the lack of freedom of press in Egypt under dictator Hosni Mubarak.  Despite the fact that Khanfar was released, his two fellow journalists are still being detained in the Egyptian prison.  Mohamed Fahmy, one of the two detainees, has been asked to revoke his Egyptian citizenship because he has dual nationality in Canada, and will make is easier to be deported.  The court has discriminated against Baher Mohamed, the third journalist, because he was given three extra years more than the other two journalists, making him imprisoned for ten years, rather than seven.

“They were arrested while conducting their professional duties, but the court imprisoned them for allegedly spreading lies and distorted the image of Egypt.”

    Under Egypt’s dictatorship, there is no freedom of press, making it very difficult for journalists to report on any news.  Egyptian citizens are fearful of their dictator and have no voice to help detained journalists be set free.  These men were doing their jobs and it’s saddening to see that journalists may be jailed or killed for reporting the news. 

BBC.com reports that there are campaigns running to urge the release of the other two journalists.  Greste spoke with a fellow journalist on the phone while he waited at Cairo's airport for departure.  Sue Turton, an Al Jazeera journalist who was also charged 10 years in an Egyptian prison, explained Greste was of course excited, but after his excitement the seriousness set in.  

"She said one of her colleagues managed to talk to Mr Greste on the phone as he waited at a departure lounge at Cairo's airport. She said "he was joking, and obviously he's elated. But his second sentence straight after that elation was - we've still got to get the other two out"."

Although the fate of these two journalists is unclear, the hope for their return is still kept alive.  The campaigns continue to pull in, and will hopefully make a difference.  

Ukraine's "Ministry of Truth" set to regulate it's country's media

    According to an article in The Guardian, " Ukraine has a new government ministry". Parliament came to a vote that would create a ministry of information policy. This move is the beginning of an information war against Russia. The decision to form this ministry of information was led by Yuriy Stets, who is the head of the information security department of the national guard. Ukraine is a Democratic state and the internet there is free, while the press is partly free. 

    According to Ukraine BBC profile, "Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since veered between seeking closer integration with Western Europe and reconciliation with Russia, which supplies most of the country's energy". Basically Ukraine media is definitely liberal than Russia however they were trying to rebuild relations with Russia but issues within the media caused frictions between the two countries. 

    Russia and Ukraine have been waging a propaganda war against each other. Russia is highly censored and wants to control the media in Ukraine. In response to this war popular Russian TV show serials have been banned, in which Ukrainians approve. Also Ukraine did not welcome the idea that the government  should oversee the information sphere.

    Now this media war between Russia and Ukraine have gone on for a long time and Russia has had problems with other countries where the media is free. Even if Russia allows some media from other countries a lot of the media is restricted and it causes problems. Ukraine is strict when it comes to certain media but in no way will it ban or change the media to tailor to their citizens. Media is a powerful tool and if used in the right way can make a country like Ukraine great.

    

Is China's Most Watched Television Show Sexist?

    Lunar New Year Gala, was an annual show that was aired on February 18 of this year. This show was aired on China Central Television Network. This show was watched by over 690 million people. During the show, there was a comedy skit that was mocking overweight unmarried  women. This comedy skit led Chinese Activists to sign a petition to cancel the annual Lunar New Year Gala. Unfortunately the petition was blocked and stopped by the Chinese Government. 

    China's , media is the largest market in the world. For Television, it is available for 418million households. China Central Television (CCTV) is a television network that is run by the State Government. CCTV is one of the largest media companies in China. At the end of 2014, china received over 648million internet users. 

    Wilfred Chan from CNN states,

"One sketch depicted an overweight woman in her late-20s complaining about being unmarried. The punchline? Her brothers bring out a tall, slim female "goddess" to help their less attractive sister understand why she's still single".

    This statement by Chan gives an explanation on how the Chinese Women were feeling that night. The overweight women were being compared to female goddess. Chinese Women felt disgraced and angered on the person that told this joke because they are being compared to a goddess that does not show any affection. 

    China's Central Television New Year's Gala is also known as the Spring Festival Gala. This show was aired on the eve of the Chinese New Year. When CCTV broadcasts this show live, the Gala gets over 700 million viewers. 

Simon Denyer and Xu Yangjingjing from the Washington Post states,

"An online campaign protesting against discrimination in the television show quickly garnered 1,300 signatures being before blocked by censors".

    This statement by Simon and Xu gives us an explanation that this discrimination was needed to be stop immediately. But the online censors spoiled the Chinese activists from getting this petition to go any further. 

Simon and Xu also state,

"It was “certainly embarrassing” for the censors at the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the paper said in an editorial Wednesday, while the discrimination in the show should put the nation ”to shame.”"

    When Simon and Xu made this statement, the Chinese media realized that this Gala is ruining their reputation. 

    El Borromeo from Yibada.com states,

"However, the recent concern raised by this particular group has served as a reminder that the media should be sensitive in themes that touch the issue of gender equality".

    El Borromeo clarifies that since this discrimination was happening to the overweight women, CCTV should of been more aware of what was happening. When the discrimination started, CCTV should of automatically cancel the Gala and replaced it with another show. 

NTV Uganda Got Banned In Parliament

    On Thursday June 19, 2014, NTV Uganda aired images of their President Yoweri Musveni taking a snooze in a national debate. This national debate took place in Parliament.

According to The Guardian: "Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo confirmed that NTV Uganda would be punished over the catnap claim, accusing it of a "lack of professionalism and biased coverage"."

    This statement by Ofwono Opondo got NTV banned for covering any presidential events. This ban was only for a month. Also NTV wasn't informed by the AFP about this sanction. 

Now in July of 2014, this ban has been lifted. According to NDTV.com : "In a brief statement, government's spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said the presidential security service had decided to "reinstate NTV coverage of President Museveni's functions" as of Thursday, ending a month-long ban".

    NTV Uganda is now able to cover Yoweri Musveni's events on National Television.

Media under militant control

    Thailand is the only country in south-east Asia to have escaped colonial rule. The monarchy and the military have helped shape the society and politics, this is according to the BBC's world profiles BBC World Profile. Thailand although a democracy, their government is run by the military. Politician's whom do not like the stories media are covering they will use the military at their disposal to do their dirty work. Thailand is also the leading nation in the world for most HIV infected civilians, this is a major concern of the governments.

The Thai government censors its publics media content via internet. Country officials have ordered internet service providers to "block access to content deemed undesirable to the government or monarchy" this is according to the IB Times Thailand Internet Censorship. the sites effected include social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. The reason the Thai government claims for this censorship is to prevent foreign influence. Thailand although has a long history of censorship, its majeste laws strictly enforce direct control over broadcast and print media. It has began taking control over digital outlets.

The Thai military put out "nationally televised message yesterday that it was taking control of the government, in order for the country to return to normality quickly." Stating that the television networks are now limited to putting out information. This is according to reporters without borders Thailand Censorship. This leaves journalists in an outrage, “We are outraged by the way the military took control of the media with what now turns out to have been the aim of misleading the public and facilitating its coup d’état,” said Benjamin Ismaïl, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Asia-Pacific desk. The military claims that it's for the benefit of the country, censorship of the media will make them whole again as a nation. Seems a bit outlandish considering the government has the military making laws and having political influence. Thailand is a nation of false democratic principals.

Mexican Political Campaign Videos Hosts Plagiarism

(Antonio Tarek Abdalá channels Pharrell’s Happy video for a campaign ad. Photograph: Screen grab)

Congressional Candidate Antonio Tarek Abdalá is getting ready for Mexico's June 7th votes.  His recent attempt to win the country over has been by parading his newest campaign videos around on tv.  The issue:  his videos are using songs that he was never given permission to use by the artists.  His actions have completely disregarded the copyright law.  The videos show Abdalá dancing around to Pharrell Williams recent hit Happy, with minor changes to the songs chorus lines promoting him for candidacy.  

Candidate Manuel Pozo uses Queen's We Will Rock You in his campaign video.  He also changed lyrics around to fit his campaigning.  Queen's manager responded to The Guardian stating that Pozo was given "no consent" to the song.  

So how does Mexico feel about this?  The Guardian says,

"Xavier Domínguez, the Catalan chairman of the political advertising agency Wish & Win, who has worked with Mexican candidates for years, said it is unlikely that any of the campaigns sought permission to use the hits. He dismissed the videos as “ridiculous” efforts to provide entertainment, rather than part of any clear strategy.

“Plagiarism is a tradition here, and nobody is ever sanctioned for it,” said Dominguez. “In a country where human rights are violated all the time, nobody is going to bother about copyright.”"

It seems as though Mexico has no hold on their laws.  Where "human rights are violated all the time" said by Dominguez, one could question what these candidates stand for, when they too are violating human rights by disobeying the copyright law.  

Global Media News Webcast #12: April 30, 2015

Listen to Global Media News for Thursday April 30, 2015

This week on Global Media News:  Brazil, Peru & Cuba

• Ollanta Humala and the Peruvian Media
• Cuba vs. Radio Martí : What Now?
• Brazilian TV:  Race & Representation
• Brazilian TV:  Sports Channels
• Brazilian Journalism & Self Censorship?
• Internet Censorship in Brazil
• Why is Brazil Suing FaceBook? 
• Social Media Activism in Brazil

Global Media News is a weekly webcast covering media news from around the world.  GMN is a production of  Media Studies students from the SUNY College @ Old Westbury.   We scour the web for news about the world's media.

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