On the article: ph.news.yahoo.com/dolphin-dies-china-tourist-abuse
“The article is about a photo of Chinese tourists posing with a dying dolphin. It caused the outrage of China’s Twitter-like social media service, Sina Weibo.
“Under the Journalist’s Code of Ethics, a journalist “shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts or to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis.” The article focuses on the outrage of the Sina Weibo users over the aforesaid photo. It appears that the adverse reactions of the users were intentionally emphasized to influence the judgment of the readers. The picture does not really show much about the condition of the dolphin during the time when it was photographed; if nobody knew the story published by Shanghai Daily, nobody would even suspect that the dolphin was dying and no online outrage would occur.
“Furthermore, he/she “shall recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.” The author should have exerted more effort in ascertaining the truth behind the story. Essential facts should not be suppressed; accordingly, any journalist should avoid suppressing facts, whether intentionally or unintentionally, because it would tend to favor one side. The intention of the writer to raise the issue of non-endangered animal rights is clear at the last part of the article. It is written that, “China, which has a growing animal rights movement, does not currently have any laws to protect non-endangered animals.” The intention of the writer was good, but he failed to exercise fairness. No matter how good one’s intention is, he/she is never exempted to comply with legal and ethical standards. It would be much better if he was able to get the side of those who appeared in the picture. Just like the dolphin, they also have rights which should be protected.” Posted by Andrea Lou H. Magnaye
Congrats to Prof. Khrysta Rara! Finalist, 2011 Golden Dove Awards for Science and Technology Program for her show in DZUP, “Kwentuhang Pets, Atbp”!! The awarding ceremonies are set on Oct. 26, 2011, 7pm, Star Theatre. Big, big thanks, big hugs, to the DZUP station and program managers, to the faculty of the U.P. Broadcast Department, especially to Prof. Rose Feliciano, Prof. Mel Estonillo, and Prof. Jane Vinculado, and many others… (photo from department file)
Prof. Khrysta Rara, the winning host-executive producer of the show has opened our eyes to issues concerning domesticated animals like the government policy of “tambuchogassing” of dogs which has since been stopped by authorities, the need to spay and neuter pets and stray animals to control their populations, the illegal dog meat trade, pet adoptions, the training of dogs used in security operations as well as the rescue of animals during natural disasters.
The show also featured environmental concerns like biodiversity and wildlife conservation. An episode each was devoted to the illegal wildlife trade, the Wildlife Conservation Act, the importance of preserving caves as habitat, the dolphin slaughters in Japan and importation of these animals by Philippine firms, Philippine land and marine mammals, as well as the conservation efforts to save the endangered endemic species like the tamaraw, Philippine eagle, pawikan, reticulated python, the dugong and others.
Guests featured in the program include singer/ songwriter and environmentalist Joey Ayala, ANC news anchor Pia Hontiveros, GMA7 Senior Reporter Joseph Morong, environmentalist and “Running Priest” Fr. Robert Reyes, DENR Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Dr. Mundita Lim, CSSP Dean and Phil. Daily Inquirer columnist Dr. Michael Tan, UP Veterinary Hospital Director Dr. Karlo Gicana and many more experts and enthusiasts in the fields of wildlife conservation and animal protection.
Finalist, 2011 Golden Dove Awards for Science and Technology Program for her show in DZUP, “Kwentuhang Pets, Atbp”!! The awarding ceremonies are set on Oct. 26, 2011, 7pm, Star Theatre. Big, big thanks, big hugs, to the DZUP station and program managers, to the faculty of the U.P. Broadcast Department, especially to Prof. Rose Feliciano, Prof. Mel Estonillo, and Prof. Jane Vinculado, and many others… (photo from department file)