Comments on: Press Muse – The good, bad and ugly (part one) http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/ a community of Singaporeans Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:50:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 51 http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-122023 The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 51 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:13:24 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-122023 [...] | X-Stream Media - TOC: Press Muse – The good, bad and ugly (part one) - sardonic ambivalence in a progressive society: Senseless Citizen Photojournalism - The Asia File: [...] [...] | X-Stream Media – TOC: Press Muse – The good, bad and ugly (part one) – sardonic ambivalence in a progressive society: Senseless Citizen Photojournalism – The Asia File: [...]

]]> By: A&E http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121431 A&E Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:49:29 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121431 <b><i>What readers need and want are well-researchged, well-written articles.</i></b> With such articles, the headline writer will have not have too much difficulty in coming up with a reasonably attractive headline. (Gabriel, #9) Exactly. And print media are still very much like online media in one peculiar particular: people tend to believe what they see in print, intuitively, especially if it is well packaged. It takes the reader conscious effort to put a brake on automatic acceptance and delve further. Coupled with careless (or maybe not so careless) use of syntax, opinion can readily become perceived as fact - a phenomenon without which propaganda could hardly exist. What readers need and want are well-researchged, well-written articles. With such articles, the headline writer will have not have too much difficulty in coming up with a reasonably attractive headline. (Gabriel, #9)

Exactly. And print media are still very much like online media in one peculiar particular: people tend to believe what they see in print, intuitively, especially if it is well packaged. It takes the reader conscious effort to put a brake on automatic acceptance and delve further. Coupled with careless (or maybe not so careless) use of syntax, opinion can readily become perceived as fact – a phenomenon without which propaganda could hardly exist.

]]> By: GABRIEL http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121412 GABRIEL Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:44:14 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121412 Headlines in ST are usually not written by the reporter or writer of the article. So perhaps, in this case, the headline writer had to struggle to come up with a worthy headline. The result: A catchy headline but inaccurate and misleading. What readers need and want are well-researchged, well-written articles. With such articles, the headline writer will have not have too much difficulty in coming up with a reasonably attractive headline. This is not meant to be a primer on better writing but more of an effort to provide a reason for our slipping journalistic standards. Editors, who determine what goes into the ST, do not want to irritate the powers that be with hard-hitting investigative journalism. Such articles have been described by MM as muckraking. He said this sometime ago, 30 years ago or so, when constructive or developmental journalism was the order of the day. Whatever it meant. He said competition among crusading newspapers will lead to the development of a muckraking style of journalism. Singapore -- with the focus on attracting investment -- would not want exposes to scare off inflow of funds. Actually, the absence of journalistic competition had had dire results. It has led to a decline in standards with placid, passive reporting becoming daily fare. Thus, it is not too hard to understand why the younger generation, on whom the nation's future lies, does not bother to read ST. The solution to encourage a greater awareness of social issues? Sites like TOC will need to come up with more incisive and analytical -- even hard-hitting -- articles. Only then, perhaps, will our younger generation awaken from its apathetic slumber. Headlines in ST are usually not written by the reporter or writer of the article. So perhaps, in this case, the headline writer had to struggle to come up with a worthy headline. The result: A catchy headline but inaccurate and misleading.
What readers need and want are well-researchged, well-written articles. With such articles, the headline writer will have not have too much difficulty in coming up with a reasonably attractive headline.
This is not meant to be a primer on better writing but more of an effort to provide a reason for our slipping journalistic standards.
Editors, who determine what goes into the ST, do not want to irritate the powers that be with hard-hitting investigative journalism. Such articles have been described by MM as muckraking. He said this sometime ago, 30 years ago or so, when constructive or developmental journalism was the order of the day. Whatever it meant.
He said competition among crusading newspapers will lead to the development of a muckraking style of journalism. Singapore — with the focus on attracting investment — would not want exposes to scare off inflow of funds.
Actually, the absence of journalistic competition had had dire results. It has led to a decline in standards with placid, passive reporting becoming daily fare. Thus, it is not too hard to understand why the younger generation, on whom the nation’s future lies, does not bother to read ST.
The solution to encourage a greater awareness of social issues? Sites like TOC will need to come up with more incisive and analytical — even hard-hitting — articles. Only then, perhaps, will our younger generation awaken from its apathetic slumber.

]]> By: A&E http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121381 A&E Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:43:40 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121381 http://www.flickr.com/photos/45168909@N02/4178003340/sizes/l/ Thank you kindly for the link to this article. The header says: <b>"Immigrants A Solution to Ageing Population: MM"</b> Really? How exactly does immigration solve the underlying problems of low fertility, extended life-expectancy, insufficient retirement savings; all that coupled with the difficulty of finding and retaining jobs past one's third and fourth decade, and the social burden on the young to support the older citizens? Japan has a population of close to 130 million, compared to our 5 million. Yet their absolute immigration numbers are on the same order of magnitude as ours. It is easy to accept that Japan needs to increase its rate of immigration: they really may benefit from a larger inflow. But should they increase their intake of immigrants some 25 fold so that their percentage immigration rate becomes comparable to ours? MM Lee proffers the Japanese sound but, what really is old advice - <i>and</i> links this unoriginal advice to our own immigration policies. To me, this is akin to a mother advising the parents of a severely underweight child to feed him <i>more</i>, whilst pointing to her own grossly obese offspring, as if to imply that her method of feeding is the "solution" to malnutrition, without actually saying so. The Japanese have been given this advice since forever. It seems almost ridiculous to suggest "radical change" to the Japanese, especially in areas of immigration and race-consciousness, and then expect that the suggestion is taken up. What message does such an article convey to the average Singaporean? http://www.flickr.com/photos/45168909@N02/4178003340/sizes/l/

Thank you kindly for the link to this article.

The header says: “Immigrants A Solution to Ageing Population: MM”

Really? How exactly does immigration solve the underlying problems of low fertility, extended life-expectancy, insufficient retirement savings; all that coupled with the difficulty of finding and retaining jobs past one’s third and fourth decade, and the social burden on the young to support the older citizens?

Japan has a population of close to 130 million, compared to our 5 million. Yet their absolute immigration numbers are on the same order of magnitude as ours. It is easy to accept that Japan needs to increase its rate of immigration: they really may benefit from a larger inflow. But should they increase their intake of immigrants some 25 fold so that their percentage immigration rate becomes comparable to ours?

MM Lee proffers the Japanese sound but, what really is old advice – and links this unoriginal advice to our own immigration policies. To me, this is akin to a mother advising the parents of a severely underweight child to feed him more, whilst pointing to her own grossly obese offspring, as if to imply that her method of feeding is the “solution” to malnutrition, without actually saying so.

The Japanese have been given this advice since forever. It seems almost ridiculous to suggest “radical change” to the Japanese, especially in areas of immigration and race-consciousness, and then expect that the suggestion is taken up.

What message does such an article convey to the average Singaporean?

]]> By: David http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121343 David Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:54 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121343 Singaporeans are ready when the time comes. Let's show PAP and their stooges what judgement day means. When PAP loss control to govern, expect to see many worms crawling out from the LEEgime. Many Singaporeans are now prepared to eliminate those worms. I will definitely lend alternative the hands they need as true blue Singaporeans. Singaporeans are ready when the time comes. Let’s show PAP and their stooges what judgement day means. When PAP loss control to govern, expect to see many worms crawling out from the LEEgime. Many Singaporeans are now prepared to eliminate those worms. I will definitely lend alternative the hands they need as true blue Singaporeans.

]]> By: Xian http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121318 Xian Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:26:40 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121318 TOC should make this column a regular feature. While people always complain about the ST being biased, seldom do they analyse particular articles and provide in-depth critique pointing out the specific reasons why these articles are flawed/propagandistic. Perhaps if TOC took on the regular role of a "press watchdog", ST would eventually be forced to up its game and improve on its reportage. I would particularly like to see an investigation into the "Chee-blackout" phenomenon. While the ST has recently been more willing to cover Opposition news involving the WP or Chiam See Tong (often devoting Insight pages to them), it remains conspicuously silent on news about the SDP. The only time the SDP makes it into the news is for negative reasons - e.g. when Chee Soon Juan gets fined or jailed. Why is the ST so biased against the SDP and its leaders? Why have they not interviewed Chee Soon Juan, allowing him to present his side of the story? Surely any newspaper worth its salt will do a feature on such a controversial figure. Is this a systematic and targeted campaign by the Government to utterly discredit Chee and deny him any opportunity to spread his "dangerous" views to the masses? TOC should make this column a regular feature. While people always complain about the ST being biased, seldom do they analyse particular articles and provide in-depth critique pointing out the specific reasons why these articles are flawed/propagandistic. Perhaps if TOC took on the regular role of a “press watchdog”, ST would eventually be forced to up its game and improve on its reportage.

I would particularly like to see an investigation into the “Chee-blackout” phenomenon. While the ST has recently been more willing to cover Opposition news involving the WP or Chiam See Tong (often devoting Insight pages to them), it remains conspicuously silent on news about the SDP. The only time the SDP makes it into the news is for negative reasons – e.g. when Chee Soon Juan gets fined or jailed.

Why is the ST so biased against the SDP and its leaders? Why have they not interviewed Chee Soon Juan, allowing him to present his side of the story? Surely any newspaper worth its salt will do a feature on such a controversial figure. Is this a systematic and targeted campaign by the Government to utterly discredit Chee and deny him any opportunity to spread his “dangerous” views to the masses?

]]> By: Tip de Burg http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121184 Tip de Burg Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:57:24 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121184 I am neutral. I not sure if MSM is biased, as mentioned in the internet. Assuming if so, the readership of MSM will shoot back if they report fairly on Opposition. This should not be a problem since there is a so-called non-Mediocre team. If MSM gives very detailed and good coverage for Opposition, their credibility will rise further debunking the 'myth' that MSM is biased. I am neutral.
I not sure if MSM is biased, as mentioned in the internet.
Assuming if so,
the readership of MSM will shoot back if they report fairly on Opposition.

This should not be a problem since there is a so-called non-Mediocre team.

If MSM gives very detailed and good coverage for Opposition, their credibility will rise further debunking the ‘myth’ that MSM is biased.

]]> By: Donaldson http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121169 Donaldson Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:23:15 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121169 <blockquote>Interestingly, there’s a sequel. The Sunday Times revealed on page 6 of the 13 December issue that the outspoken Alex Tan had been barred from the Young PAP’s Facebook recruitment page. </blockquote> Wah.. Did Sunday Times use my information about Alex Tan being banned on YP facebook? Haha... I first mentioned it on TOC's facebook page on friday and it appeared on Sunday Times the following Sunday. In the Straits Times article "Has PAP rule led to apathy?", it was mentioned that a participant had told Alex Tan, "If you are so disenchanted, why don't you leave Singapore." Straits Times didn't clarify if the participant was a YP/PAP member or a member of the public. 2) cynskep on December 14th, 2009 4.12 am <blockquote>Mr Sam Tan is Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and not the ‘permanent secretary’ as stated.</blockquote> <strong>Corrected.</strong> Thanks.

Interestingly, there’s a sequel. The Sunday Times revealed on page 6 of the 13 December issue that the outspoken Alex Tan had been barred from the Young PAP’s Facebook recruitment page.

Wah.. Did Sunday Times use my information about Alex Tan being banned on YP facebook? Haha… I first mentioned it on TOC’s facebook page on friday and it appeared on Sunday Times the following Sunday. In the Straits Times article “Has PAP rule led to apathy?”, it was mentioned that a participant had told Alex Tan, “If you are so disenchanted, why don’t you leave Singapore.” Straits Times didn’t clarify if the participant was a YP/PAP member or a member of the public.

2) cynskep on December 14th, 2009 4.12 am

Mr Sam Tan is Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and not the ‘permanent secretary’ as stated.

Corrected. Thanks.

]]> By: cynskep http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121168 cynskep Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:13:48 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121168 oh forgot to add that this is an insightful article overall though...a nice read. oh forgot to add that this is an insightful article overall though…a nice read.

]]> By: cynskep http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121167 cynskep Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:12:21 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121167 Mr Sam Tan is Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and not the 'permanent secretary' as stated. There's no room for error in facts in order to prevent any 'loss' in credibility of alternative media. Mr Sam Tan is Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and not the ‘permanent secretary’ as stated.

There’s no room for error in facts in order to prevent any ‘loss’ in credibility of alternative media.

]]> By: walau http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/12/press-muse-%e2%80%93-the-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one/comment-page-1/#comment-121163 walau Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:16:40 +0000 http://theonlinecitizen.com/?p=17541#comment-121163 The fact that ST is capable of doing its job and yet is not applying the same effort and principles on issues that Singaporeans care about deeply is a real shame. The fact that ST is capable of doing its job and yet is not applying the same effort and principles on issues that Singaporeans care about deeply is a real shame.

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