4M Asia closes in Jakarta
Related project
4M AsiaSince 2014, the 4M Asia project has been providing support and guidance to independent media outlets in seven countries in South-East Asia as they make the switch to digital and develop new tools. Around 100 media professionals attended the closing forum, which was held in Jakarta on 7 and 8 April 2018.
The packed schedule, which consisted of several debates, around 15 workshops and carte blanche sessions, allowed the participants to take stock of the situation in which independent media outlets in the region now find themselves in, and to reflect on the new issues and challenges facing them.
The work began with a debate on freedom of expression and the obstacles that have recently emerged in several countries. Even though the situation is difficult (when it comes to freedom of the press, Indonesia is ranked 124th in the world by Reporters Without Borders), the hope-filled speeches were proof of the journalists' determination. Organisations such as Rappler in the Philippines and Malaysiakini in Malaysia are continuing to campaign for press freedom, despite the attacks that they have suffered.
The two days of conferences, which were organised by CFI and its Indonesian partner AJI (Alliance of Independent Journalists), were led by elite professionals who are extremely passionate about and committed to their work.
Various subjects were tackled, including how to fight against fake news, led by Benoit Huet (a lawyer specialising in the media), the role of journalists, led by Éric Wishart (Agence France-Presse), the security of journalists on the internet, led by Jean-Marc Bourguignon (Nothing to hide), data-journalism tools, led by John Saeki (Agence France-Presse) and Esra Dogramaci (Deutsche Welle), the role of journalists during elections, the evolving nature of business models, and many more besides.
The workshops fostered high-quality, constructive debates between the participants.
