Forming a Nucleus for a Media Alliance to Confront Hatred Speeches
A group of activists working in the media discussed some mechanisms to confront the expanding hatred discourse in the media channels. This was in an extensive workshop held by MASART Institution for Cultural and Media Development, in which 20 media worker and specialists from various printed, electronic, audio and visual media channels. The session witnessed releasing the results of the questionnaire conducted by MASARAT about the top rated media channels in number of followers and public, how far TV shows presenters can impact their audience, and the amount of hatred discourses the people are exposed to from all media channels. Participants agreed on some recommendations which may confront and stop hatred speech, some of them are legislative and others are executive. Other recommendations are related to the management of media institutions, TV show presenters. Among the most important recommendations, there are: “Commitment to objectivity and professionalism in addressing the public, and keeping away from personalizing the promotion of stands and views related to public issues.” Participants agreed to form an alliance of a number of media people and press men who support the anti-hatred discourse campaign, asserting that most of the hatred speeches aired by the media are coming from politicians and clergymen. It is expected that the forthcoming days shall witness similar workshops to discuss the current recommendations with religious, political and academic leaderships.
