London AGM – Saturday 24 September 2011
CIoJ AGM
With the recent revelations at the News of the World rocking the very foundations of the journalistic world, this years AGM will focus on the forthcoming attack on our profession.
Inquiries are already being held and a judicial inquiry by Lord Justice Leveson has been ordered by the Prime Minister.
The Institute needs to be at the forefront of this inquiry, defending our members and the profession, and, by doing so, maintaining the fight for a free Press.
These are very difficult times and you should have your say in how we defend ourselves against these attacks. Collectively we can come up with worthwhile campaigns and make a real difference to the journalistic profession in the coming years.
Look forward to seeing you!
Register your attendance by contacting Diane at memberservices@cioj.co.uk or call on 020 7252 1187.
As I previously suggested, I think we should consider the accreditation of experienced members of the CIoJ with the title of Chartered Journalist.
Thank you for the consideration.
News of the World in the UK has traditionally survived on what I call ‘journalistic voyeurism’. Negative stories about the private lives of 4 Ps; People, Prince, Politician and Personality have been the mainstay of the defunct newspaper which catered to a section of the public who had acquired that sort of taste. Ok, there is no denying that the tabloid enjoyed a relatively high circulation but at what cost. Where is it now. May be it is a blessing in disguise as newspapers are being deserted in preference for alternative sources from the Internet.
Although the saga that unfolded at the News of the World is regrettable and cannot be condoned one must remember that the type of journalism the tabloid championed should no way be taken to reflect on journalism as such. There is more to journalism than the diet of malignant, negative, sordid, carnal and criminal stories.
In the world today the death of several newspapers, attributable to the advent of digitalisation, no journalist can afford a slur on his or her profession through mistakes or indulgence in incriminating activities, albeit due to their masters. Those who did not only have it on their conscience but are responsible for bringing journalism into disrepute while acquiescing to the wishes of their editors or corporate policy. This sadly gives ammunition to the cynics and critics of newspaper journalism and a timely raison d’etre for citizen journalism.
I believe quality journalism, as it always has, will survive the tribulations and win the hearts and minds of truth seekers by re-writing their destiny to ensure a digital future with serious commitment to accuracy and objectivity while informing, entertaining, campaigning, educating and alerting its constituency.