Photo: Collected
Eminent journalists underscored the vital role of media in addressing the environmental crisis.
During a discussion organised on the occasion of celebrating World Press Freedom Day 2024 on Friday, by media and communication development organisation Somashte in the capital, speakers highlighted the potential for a more robust media response to environmental challenges.
They emphasised the importance of systematic and analytical reporting on environmental and climatic trends, their underlying causes, and their far-reaching effects. Furthermore, they stressed the significance of shedding light on the impact of anti-environmental activities on affected communities, while also identifying those responsible. By increasing accountability and elevating the role of stakeholders, media can stimulate initiatives for potential solutions.
The speakers emphasised the critical connection between free journalism and issues such as environmental and climatic disasters. They asserted that journalists can significantly enhance their role in addressing various environmental and climatic challenges if free journalism is fully upheld. To achieve this, they stressed the importance of supporting a robust legal framework, policies, and institutional practices that safeguard journalistic freedom.
Speakers at the event noted the challenges associated with highlighting environmental issues in the media. They identified several obstacles, including the scarcity of scientific information, pressure or threats from entities involved in anti-environmental activities, and concerns regarding security. Additionally, the lack of preparedness among journalists to report on specialised environmental content was recognised as another significant hurdle. Overcoming these obstacles will require concerted efforts to ensure access to accurate information, safeguard journalists' safety, and provide appropriate training to enhance their capacity for effective environmental reporting.
Journalists Shahnaz Begum, Nazrul Islam Mithu, Zahid Nawaz Khan, Kawsar Soheli, Salma Yasmin, Shahnaz Parveen Ellis, Kamrun Nahar, Borhanul Haque Sarat, Tania Rahman, Atika Rahman, Shahnaz Sharmin, and others spoke as guests at the event.
Mir Masrur Zaman, the executive director of Somashte and senior news editor of Channel I, delivered the welcome speech at the event. Rezaul Haque, the director of research and communication of Somashte, highlighted various aspects of the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024 and summarised the Dhaka Declaration made at the press freedom camp organised by Somashte in 2022. The Dhaka Declaration aims to enhance the security of independent journalism and create a supportive environment by calling for the abolition of laws, policies, regulations, and other elements that undermine media freedom. It also includes recommendations for various stakeholders, including lawmakers, policymakers, media organisations, and journalist organisations, on various aspects of media freedom.
Messenger/Sumon
