KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (NNN-Bernama) — Media, as a vital agent of communication, can effectively contribute towards the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula, if they play their roles rightfully, international media practitioners said.
Head of External Affairs at Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., Philippines, Barbie Atienza, said the media is a powerful tool that can make or break the transactions of the outcome of any efforts and negotiations for reconciliation between conflicting parties.
He said in essence, media practitioners should be guided by three principles – namely to inform, to inspire, and to empower their audience.
He said it is also crucial for media to practice objectively and to disseminate factual and accurate information to the masses.
“If media play the role correctly, they would really be able to bridge the gaps and realise the goals of what you want it to happen, and in this case, the reunification of the Korean Peninsula,” he said at the virtual International Leadership Conference (ILC) and Think Tank 2022 Global Forum with the theme ‘Toward Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula: The Role of the Media’, recently.
The two-day forum was organised by the Universal Peace Foundation (UPF) Asia Pacific.
Speaking at the same platform, Chanchai Pratheepwatanawong , Chief Reporter at The Nation, Thailand, said in regards of the Korean Peninsula conflicts, media should give opportunities to both sides to express their thoughts and views on the issues.
“What we all now know is North Korea is a very reclusive country, there is not much that we know about its people; (like) what are the North Koreans thinking about the reunification (of the two Koreas), their expectations and their concerns,” he said.
He added that getting to know the opinion and the aspirations of the people affected by the conflict will enable negotiations to be carried out more effectively between parties involved.
“Freedom of media is important if you want to bring world peace,” he said.
North Korea and South Korea remain divided following the Korean War (1950-1953). No peace treaty was ever signed, and the two Koreas are technically still at war.
— NNN-BERNAMA