The role of journalists in society and the current status of fact-checking by global journalism and the operation of media self-regulatory organization were two key topics for discussion at the World Journalists Conference (WJC 2022) which was held in Seoul on April 25-26.
The two-day online conference saw the attendance of high-profile journalists and experts from 34 countries who eagerly shared their deep opinions and vast experiences on the two topics, especially when talking about how journalism is changing society.
In his speech at the event, stressed that journalists were able to positively change entire societies and make them better and special.
"Journalists do not carry guns, but they have stronger influence with their peaceful means – such as pen, paper, camera, news, information, facts that they use to communicate with the outside world and convey truth and facts to them on a daily basis," he said. "The changes to society that journalists had initiated have been reinforced in recent years by social media and its amazing potential for human development. Journalists worked on both informing and educating the people so that they know their rights and learn to defend them. "
Dr. Hassan Humeida delivers his speech at the WJC2022 on April 26
Hassan noted that thanks to great work and immense pressure from the media, several societies dared to look at their weaknesses and appreciated that the minorities and the disadvantaged living within them deserved better conditions and greater chances to live their dreams while contributing with their work and ideas.
Sharing the same idea, , Vietnam told the conference that journalism had changed the society for the better by providing information for the public, thus helping raise awareness among them and pushing local authorities to have sound decisions and policies.
Lan Phong derlivers her speech at the event
"In my country Vietnam, gender inequality is a problem that was influenced by Confucianism and the feudal view of male preference. In the past, men used to play the most important roles in the family and always have final say. Men were allowed to go to schools while girls were not," she said. "With their voices, journalists in Vietnam have actively joined in fighting against gender discrimination to defend the rights of women and girls."
Lan also highlighted the role of the media in spreading good work by introducing ordinary yet inspiring people, such as activists who run charity groups to provide free meals to poor people, save abandoned dogs and cats, or collect rubbish on the beaches, etc.
"By reporting on their work, journalists have contributed in inspiring and calling on the public to do helpful work for a better society," she said.
Launched in 2013 by the Journalists Association of Korea, the World Journalists Conference is an annual event that invites overseas journalists to Korea to discuss the role of the media in contributing to the development of journalism and the communities.
