An Assurance to FMT Readers Post-GE14
A Commitment to Good Journalism
In the wake of the historic elections of May 9, one thing seems to have remained exactly the same: the media’s servility.
Objectivity in Journalism
A certain English daily espouses this rather perfectly, indeed it thrives on it. Villains which it once condemned are suddenly heroes on its front pages. Heroes which it once flattered are now relegated to some obituary-sized column, that is, if the column has not already been taken up by a portrait of an old man who left behind one wife, six children, four in-laws and a dozen grandchildren.
A Fresh Perspective
Turning around the way this particular paper has would make perfect business sense. It may not even be an issue to a readership long subjected to a skewed understanding about the role of the press.
Independence in Journalism
But it gives a bad image to journalists, the well-meaning journalists who do not want their jobs to be like the oldest profession in the world.
Commitment to Balanced Reporting
One report by a foreign news agency describes the once pro-Barisan Nasional media’s about-turn “a decades-old impulse to back the government of the day” in making sure of their own survival than in balanced reporting.
Our Commitment to FMT Readers
How true. The print media and some other electronic media are still obsessed with playing the role of a diary of ruling politicians, now from among Pakatan Harapan. Their speeches are headline material, even if some of them have no news value or are a repeat of the hundreds of statements churned out over the years but which did not make it to these media.
FMT’s Commitment to Good Journalism
It is in this sad state of journalism that we have decided to reiterate our commitment to good journalism, the missing dimension from our self-styled “mainstream” media.
A Track Record of Objectivity
In the weeks leading to the polls, some opposition leaders quietly complained to our journalists as to why we were giving space for “the other side to whack us”. At the same time, some Barisan Nasional leaders were angered that our coverage of the campaign was too much about “the other side whacking us”. We didn’t take it lying idle. We merely said, “We rest our case”.
Millions of Readers Can Testify
Millions of our readers who have followed us since the start of the general election campaign can testify to our objectivity, even neutrality.
Our Assurance to FMT Readers
We carried commentaries from both sides, and will continue to do so. We informed the public, and will continue to do so. We confused the politicians, and we secretly hope to continue this too.
This is our assurance to our readers. We are free and independent. Even if some think that the new regime should be allowed a longer honeymoon.
Conclusion
We stand by our commitment to good journalism, and we will continue to uphold the principles of objectivity, neutrality, and independence in our reporting. We are dedicated to informing the public and providing a platform for diverse voices, and we will not compromise on our values.
FAQs
Q: What is FMT’s commitment to journalism?
A: FMT is committed to good journalism, characterized by objectivity, neutrality, and independence.
Q: How does FMT ensure balanced reporting?
A: FMT carries commentaries from both sides and provides a platform for diverse voices, ensuring that our readers receive a balanced perspective.
Q: What sets FMT apart from other media outlets?
A: FMT is committed to upholding the principles of good journalism, and we are dedicated to informing the public and providing a platform for diverse voices, unlike some other media outlets that prioritize serving the interests of the government or powerful individuals.