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Discussion forum — tell us what you think about issues relating to media, women in media and journalism
The Network of Women in Media, India, is an association which aims to provide a forum for women in media professions to share information and resources, exchange ideas, promote media awareness and ethics, and work for gender equality and justice within the media and society. Local groups linked to the NWMI are currently functioning in 16 centres across the country.
 
The Seventh Annual Meeting of the Network of Women in Media, India

Present in the seventh annual conference of NWMI was Irom Sharmila, who has been on an indefinite fast demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958About 60 women journalists from different parts of the country (Mumbai to Kolkata, Kerala to Assam) gathered in Imphal, Manipur, from 5 to 7 March 2009, for the 7th annual NWMI meeting. The first gathering of such a large number of Indian women journalists in the Northeast, representing a variety of media in several languages, was also the first exposure for many of the difficult and complex realities of life in Manipur and the first opportunity to see for themselves how events and issues in Manipur and other states in the region are so inadequately covered by the media in the rest of the country.

Mainland media women in marginalised Manipur: Report of the seventh annual meeting of the NWMI

Also read

We need to learn from the Northeast: Statement by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI)
issued at the end of the NWMI meeting held in Imphal (Manipur) in March 2009

Articles on the situation in Manipur by NWMI members

Anupama Jayaraman Memorial Award presented

Ms. Alifiya Khan of Mumbai is the winner of the third Anupama Jayaraman Memorial Award for young women journalistsThe Network of Women in Media, India has pleasure in announcing Alifiya Khan of Mumbai as the winner of the third Anupama Jayaraman Memorial Award for young women journalists. Alifiya is a senior correspondent at The Hindustan Times, Mumbai. Her articles on public health services in particular drew the attention of the jury. The theme for 2008 was `Human Rights and Social Justice.’

How the Telugu media sold its soul for cash

The Network of Women in Media, Hyderabad, writes to the chief electoral officer of Andhra Pradesh calling attention to the trend of selling news space to political parties and candidates during elections which, as they point out, is not only a gross dereliction of duty by the Fourth Estate but actually endangers democracy.

Read more

Also read

Fighting paid election coverage

Dalit women filmmakers behind the cameraNWMI co-hosts launch of "Affirming Life & Diversity"

Local networks affiliated to the NWMI in four cities -- Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai -- were associated with the launch of a multi-media publication produced by non-literate, Dalit women film-makers from Andhra Pradesh that brings together rural images and voices on food sovereignty.
Media & women's empowerment in the Northeast

Report on a workshop on "Empowerment of Women through Media" in Tezpur University, Assam, organised in collaboration with the NWMI through its new chapter in Assam.

Also read:
Connecting to the Northeast

The Sixth National Meeting of the Network of Women in Media, India

Mallika Sarabhai giving the keynote address to the annual NWMI meeting at Pune125 media women from all over India, besides other guests, media students and enthusiasts, gathered for the three day long national meet of the Network of Media, India, at Pune, on 8-10 February to discuss important social and media related issues, exchange ideas, views, work and strategies, felicitate women achievers in the media and attend workshops. Mallika Sarabhai was the chief guest and the keynote speaker at the event.

For details click here

Discussion on media, security forces and democracy

Beyond vice and victimhood: Towards a balanced media representation of sex workers

Panel discussion on media ethics and sting operation

NWMI resolution on discrimination against media based on language

The sixth conference of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) that concluded today expresses deep concern over the Hindi media being barred from a press conference addressed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray.
Report on NWMI's 5th Annual Meeting

click here...(.pdf, 3.1MB) — includes a short history of the NWMI and brief descriptions of previous network meetings.
NWMI statement on racist portrayal of women from the Northeast by Mail Today

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NWMI letter to West Bengal CM condemning Taslima Nasreen's ouster from the state

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NWMI statement on the Taslima attack
The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) strongly condemns the recent violent attack on Bangladeshi writer, Taslima Nasreen, in Hyderabad. The attack highlights the security concerns that writers in general and women writers in particular face from fundamentalist forces of all hues.

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Women journalists call for public debate on broadcast bill and content code

The Network of Women in Media, India, registers its concern about the Broadcast Bill (Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2007 and Content Code (Self-Regulation Guidelines for the Broadcasting Sector). As media professionals aware of the important role of media in society, we welcome the long-delayed effort towards media regulation, which is a feature of all mature democracies that respect the fundamental human right to freedom of expression, of which freedom of the press/media is a crucial part. The Supreme Court of India has also clearly stated that the airwaves belong to the public and that their use is to be regulated by a public authority in the interests of the public.

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Bills, Codes and Women
Excerpts from an article posted by Ammu Joseph on WIMN: The draft Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2007 (a.k.a. Broadcast Bill) and the Self-Regulation Guidelines for the Broadcasting Sector (a.k.a. Content Code) unveiled by the Ministry in the third week of July have raised quite a bit of heat and dust within the Indian media community.

Much of the discussion has focused on the Code, particularly the section relating to news and current affairs programming, and its likely effects on freedom of expression. Although initial reactions from the media industry reflected some unhappiness with the Bill’s provisions relating to media ownership, that issue has subsequently (ominously?) slipped out of sight.

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Calling all media women…
We need regular contributions to our various sections to keep the site vibrant and dynamic. News, experiences, articles, interviews, links, everything is welcome -- as long as it fits in with the focus and format of the website.

Send your contributions to NWMI editor
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's new
Opportunities
> Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism: Prabha Dutt Memorial Foundation invites applications from Indian Women Journalists in the age group of 25 – 40. The fellowship covers a period of 10 months and offers an amount of Rs1,00,000/-
> Senior video trainers required: Video Volunteers is looking to employ senior video trainers who are interested in being part of a growing community media movement. If you are video / film maker experienced in teaching / training and interested in working with the underprivileged communities in India then read on...
> Women broadcasters in Asia-Pacific invited to India seminar: The seminar titled "Women Making Airwaves for Peace" (WMAP) is on the role of community radio in peace building and disaster management. It will be held from October 10 to 13 in Bangalore, India. Deadline: 5 July 2009
> AIB International Media Excellence Awards: The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is seeking entries for their 2009 Awards. The competition celebrates TV, radio and online broadcasting professionals from around the world. Deadline: 10 July 2009
> Learn, report and network: IFEJ, in collaboration with the Forum of Environmental Journalists of India and CMS Academy of Communication and Convergence Studies is seeking to sponsor 75 professional journalists to participate in its 12th congress. Deadline: 15 July 2009
> Annual Developing Asia Journalism Awards: The Asian Development Bank Institute invites journalists from developing Asia and the Pacific to submit published articles written in 2008 or 2009 in connection with the 2009 annual Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) competition.
Deadline: 15 July 2009
> South Asian Media Briefing Workshop on climate change: Journalists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are invited to attend a South Asian Media Briefing Workshop from August 27 to 28 in New Delhi that aims to demystify the subject of climate change. Deadline: 20 July 2009
> Fellowships available for journalists who cover violence, disasters: The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowships are open to print and broadcast reporters, photographers, editors and producers with at least five years of journalism experience. The fellowships are currently limited to applicants from the Americas, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Deadline: 24 July 2009
> CMCS Fellowship for early career film makers: The Centre for Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences announces a fellowship for film makers at an early stage of their career. Deadline: 25 July 2009
> Fellowships focused on children’s issues available for journalists: Journalists from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the Caribbean countries, and the Indian region of Orissa are invited to apply for the 2009 Oscar van Leer Fellowships, a four-week, expenses-paid training in journalism and childhood development as well as children’s rights, in the Netherlands. Deadline: 18 August 2009
> The Population Institute's Global Media Awards: These Awards are devoted to drawing attention to global population issues. The award honors those who have contributed to creating an awareness of population problems through their journalistic endeavors in a meritorious manner. Deadline for entries: 4 September 2009
> Crises and Disasters Reporting: Full-time Indian journalists working for Indian media organizations are invited to apply for a Crisis and Disaster Reporting Course in Delhi, India, which will take place 12 to 16 October 2009. Deadline: 28 September 2009

> Wanted — writers with a green heart: A green magazine run by a company called BCIL (http://www.ecobcil.com) is looking out for writers, who can do investigative reports, write well-researched articles, interview personalities and write thought-provoking, yet irreverent essays.

> Knight International Journalism Fellowships in India and Bangladesh: A program of the International Center for Journalists is seeking experienced journalists to lead projects that involve mentoring and training journalists.

> Journalism fellowship in the US - Deadline: Varies by country, but usually June to September for the following year (Now for 2009-2010)

News and views

National
> New voices of the Valley: With changing times and the burgeoning media landscape, women journalists in Kashmir are finally coming into their own. AFSANA RASHID gives an insider’s view to the challenges women reporters in the valley have to contend with.
> Muslims and the Indian media: Book review by Yoginder Sikand.
> Journalists take the brunt of violence in Assam by Nava Thakuria: An already violent culture area goes after the messengers.
> Indefatigable diva: She combined the reviewer’s instinct for recognising a dud, the story getter’s natural aggression and the TV anchor’s easy confidence. Sevanti Ninan describes the Amita Malik she knew.
> Women's coalition to defend cultural freedom: On 9 February 2009 various women's groups in Hyderabad came together to oppose the Ram Sene activists. Seven women's organisations decided to form a group called 'Women for Cultural Freedom' to oppose all illegal and unconstitutional activities and assert the freedom of speech and expression.
> Statement against attacks on women in Mangalore: The physical and verbal assault on women in a pub in Mangalore on Sat, 24 Jan, has generated outrage among those who believe that India is a democracy. This statement, signed by citizens across the country, including journalists, includes a comment on media's role in the episode. The statement is open for endorsement online.

> The mayhem in Mumbai — readers react: Was it necessary to provide 24-hour coverage of the hostage crisis? Did it do anything for the viewers, the security forces, the helpless hostages, Mumbai city or the nation?

> Watching the Watchdog: The electronic media did not live up to its own self-imposed code, notes media analyst Ammu Joseph.

> Unpacking the Pixel: Kalpana Sharma assesses 60 hours of continuous media coverage of the Mumbai crisis and notes the significant gaps.
> Current global financial crisis and the Indian media: Some months ago, India's media and entertainment sector was the darling of most investors. Today, with the ad market looking ready to settle into a deep slumber and the global financial meltdown adding to the gloom, things don't look rosy anymore.
> National Commission for Women: NCW has recommended amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women Act, broadening the definition of "indecent representation" and introducing more stringent punishment under the law. Is the NCW taking the debate on representation of women in the media forward in a meaningful way?
South Asia
> Blow to free media once again
> Statement by Sonali Samarasinghe Wickrematunge on World Press Freedom Day
> IFJ and SAMSN release seventh annual report: The report on press freedom in South Asia, produced by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) for the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), documents alarming trends in working conditions for journalists.
> Is the foreign media portraying a skewed image of Pakistan or are they simply reporting the reality? This article was published in The Herald, Pakistan.
> Paradise Lost? Ammu Joseph's post on the recent flogging incident in Pakistan
> ‘By our lady correspondents’ — Nirupama Subramanian: A new initiative in Pakistan focuses on the famous and not-so famous women in journalism, their profiles and contribution to the growth of media in the country.
> South Asia worst region for capturing journalists' killers, says CPJ's impunity index
> Pakistan: Senior reporter gunned down
> Writers Under Siege: Groundviews invited renowned Sri Lankan poets, novelists and other writers to respond to the violence, impunity and the vicious clampdown on the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka through prose or verse. Two award winning poets — Indran Amirthanayagam and Sivamohan Sumathy were the first to write in.
> Sri Lanka: 'Govt Targets Media Under Civil War Cover' by Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
> Lasantha — a celebration of dissent and diversity: Dilrukshi Handunnetti's tribute to the late editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge. Read more...
> Lasantha Wickrematunge's last edit: And then they came for me. Read more...
> Media Freedom in Sri Lanka - RSF's Annual report 2008
> Information to entertainment: A new study reveals significant changes in the way the people of Bhutan view the media. According to a draft report of the Media Impact Study 2008, Bhutanese now see media as source of entertainment whereas, just five years ago, they viewed media as source of information.
> In the Balance: Press Freedom in South Asia 2007-2008. An IFJ Asia Pacific report. The report, released ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, highlights the serious challenges that continue to confront the media in a region that is home to more than one-fifth of humanity.
> REAL NEWS — 'The promise' unfolds
International
> Ethics and Gender: Equality in the Newsroom, Brussels Declaration
> World Press Freedom Day 2009: World Press Freedom Day serves as an occasion to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate the benefits of a free and independent press; and to defend the media from attacks on their independence. Message of UN Secretary — General Ban Ki-moon
> A Sanctuary of Dissent: Pacifica Radio, born on 15 April 1949, is the oldest independent media network in the United States, and its sixtieth birthday comes as a deepening crisis engulfs mainstream media. Column by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!
> Documentary on the first Pacifica Radio station: KPFA on the Air by filmmakers Veronica Selver and Sharon Wood, narrated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker.
> RSF Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2008
> Bad Days for Newsrooms—and Democracy: The decline of newspapers is about the rise of the corporate state, the loss of civic and public responsibility and the intellectual poverty of our post-literate world. Now information is conveyed mainly through rapidly moving images rather than print.
> Why so few women in media?
This qualitative study seeks to explain why so few women enter and stay in the media. Interviews with editors, women and male journalists, and members of other institutions suggest that what is on paper, i.e. legislation to bring about more gender equality, has in reality not brought about any dramatic progress in the media and in its coverage of gender.
> Gender equality most important struggle on the planet: Stephen Lewis, Co-Director of AIDS-Free World

> Internet clogged by 2010? Consumer and corporate Internet usage could outstrip network capacity both in North America and worldwide in a little more than two years, says a new study.

Research

> Written-off — How the Indian news media deals with its freelance journalists: In late February last year, an informal survey of freelance journalists in India was carried out. The questionnaire itself was ad hoc, but the trends that emerged were clear — most freelance journalists are perceived as the stepchildren of the Indian news media. The entire survey was carried out online over a 15-day period in March-April 2008. Read More...
> Global Report on Status of Women in News Media: The International Women's Media Foundation is launching a research project to examine the news media industry structure worldwide from a gender perspective. It will document the levels of involvement by women in the news media at professional, decision-making and governance levels. Read More...

Newsmakers

> Anuradha Nagaraj, City Editor, Indian Express, Delhi, selected for the Prabha Dutt Fellowship, 2007
Reading list
> Muslims and the Indian media: Book review by Yoginder Sikand.
> Mirror to media: Paranjoy Guha Thakurta's Media Ethics: Truth, Fairness and Objectivity, and Ather Farouqui’s Muslim and Media Images: New versus Views are books that look at ethical issues in journalism and the depiction of Muslims in the media.
> Getting the Balance Right: Gender Equality in Journalism — The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recently unveiled a publication on gender equality designed to engage journalists in the fight against gender discrimination. Read more...
> How To Become A Good Journalist — a book on journalism by Raza Elahi
> A tale of how television changed India: 'India on Television' by Nalin Mehta discusses how television has changed the contours of the Indian psyche. Satellite television has engendered a transformation in Indian political culture and expressions of Indian nationhood. Read More...
> Headlines from the Heartland
> Communicating Disasters: Asia Pacific Resource Book (.pdf, 156 KB)
> Whose News? and Making News
Resources
> New multilingual tool tracks food prices in poor countries
> Civil society initiative on media policy: This set of documents has been put together in the hope that they will help inform the ongoing (if sporadic) public debate on media regulation in India, with particular reference to the broadcast sector.
> The Hastings Center Bioethics Briefing Book for Journalists
> New guidelines for HIV/AIDS reporting
> Violence against women: A fact sheet
> Gender and Media Diversity Centre
> Virtual Resource Centre (including Online Clippings Library)
> Interjunction: Media meets academia
> AlertNet video outlines tools for journalists
> Monthly features service on HIV and AIDS launched by Panos' Global AIDS Programme
> Online resource for reporters worldwide covering issues related to HIV and AIDS
 
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