Media experts address challenges facing Southeast Asian media landscape

9th November 2021

Media experts from across Southeast Asia reviewed a draft research report on the impacts of COVID-19 on the SEA region and shared insights and recommendations for addressing these challenges.

Small groups of journalists, editors, academics and NGO/CSO representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand participated in four virtual consultation meetings to review a draft research report being developed as part of a UNESCO-IPDC regional project. The report explores the impact of COVID-19 on media freedom, media business viability and the safety of journalists in Southeast Asia.

The meetings took place between 2-3 November and were organised by the Public Media Alliance (PMA) in partnership with the Asia Democracy Network (ADN). The project also receives support from UNESCO Bangkok.

Participants were given the opportunity to discuss the draft report, share their own experiences and insights related to challenges facing their respective countries imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They were also able to make recommendations for a Southeast Asia regional media recovery roadmap – the final stage of the project.

Laxman Datt Pant, the project’s co-facilitator, emphasised that “Although countries in Southeast Asia have their own social-political contexts, COVID-19 has exacerbated media freedom in the region in many similar ways.” Drawing on the research findings, he highlighted the multi-pronged attacks on independent media in the region. “Evidence and observations show that authorities in Southeast Asia attempted to suppress free and independent media mainly by introducing laws meant to control independent voices by using COVID-19 pretext to censor news. Charging journalistic content with fake news, defining disinformation to weaken the media’s watchdog role, and disregarding international principles of free press are some of the common problems the region faces at the moment.” He added: “Unanimous regional solidarity from media rights organisations and the media houses could help authorities realise ‘free press matters’ to foster democracy and freedom.”

Tess Baccalla, the project’s other co-facilitator, explained why it is important that these media experts gathered to discuss insights and recommendations for the media recovery plan. “Now, more than ever, journalists and other media practitioners must come together to explore measures to address a slew of challenges confronting them today,” she said. “Only through a strong, united front will the media be in a better position to explore meaningful solutions to the deeply entrenched problems affecting them, including systematic attacks against media freedom.”

“Evidence and observations show that authorities in Southeast Asia attempted to suppress free and independent media mainly by introducing laws meant to control independent voices by using COVID-19 pretext to censor news” – Laxman Datt Patt, Project co-facilitator

Ichal Supriadi, Secretary-General of ADN, also emphasised the importance of regional solidarity. He said, “Free media collaboration at the regional level is essential to push back on the current regression on media freedom efficiently. The media actors shall enhance connection for quality exchanges, build solidarity, and learn to address the challenges in unity and strategically.” He added: “On this connection, it is vital to establish a regional coalition to facilitate the collaboration, carry forward the collaboration plan, and build further relationships among media and different democracy actors.”

“Free media collaboration at the regional level is essential to push back on the current regression on media freedom efficiently.” – Ichal Supriadi, Secretary-General of ADN

PMA and partners will launch the final research report and roadmap later this month.

PMA also recently hosted a webinar to explore the preliminary findings from the research. Guest speakers highlighted that, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the ongoing challenges facing independent media in Southeast Asia, there are some positive takeaways that may help to regain audience trust and maintain editorial independence.

Catch up here: The impacts of COVID-19 on the Southeast Asian media landscape

Header image: Indonesia consultation meeting via Zoom. Credit: PMA