Philippine media agree to crisis restrictions: gov't
MANILA - The Philippines said Tuesday the media has agreed to new restrictions on covering police operations -- including limits on live broadcasts -- after a hostage crisis in which eight Hong Kong tourists died.
Local media were accused of irresponsible reporting during the August 23 massacre, when a former Manila police officer dismissed for extortion seized a tourist bus in a desperate bid to get his job back.
Senior aides of President Benigno Aquino have discussed the new measures in meetings with the industry association for broadcasters and a media watchdog, presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said.
For their own safety, journalists will stay outside the range of automatic rifle fire, normally 800 metres (half a mile), in crises such as hostage-taking incidents, Coloma added.
"One of the points universally accepted is the definition of a safety zone that will ensure that the life and safety of media practitioners and other citizens witnessing the event will not be put at risk," he said.
The media pledged to refrain from interfering in police operations, while also agreeing to limit live coverage in certain cases, Coloma said.
Journalists were criticised for airing the bungled police assault live and interviewing the gunman on the radio shortly before he began shooting, denying negotiators telephone access to him.
"I think this has already been agreed upon in the past, (that) troop movement should not be monitored live as it will impair the operations that are being conducted," Coloma told reporters.
Coloma said in future a police or government spokesman would be put in place to talk to the media during crises.
Aquino has apologised and taken responsibility for the bloody end to the bus hijacking.
A public inquiry due to wind up on Wednesday has uncovered a litany of mistakes by police and other officials assigned to handle the hostage crisis.
Coloma said the government had pledged not to support any changes in the law which would curtail the freedom of the press, which is guaranteed by the Philippine constitution.
The Broadcasters' Association of the Philippines and the Council on Media Freedom and Responsibility took part in the dialogue, he added.
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True!!!!!! dapat lang
sana noon pa naisip yang ganyan para hindi na lumala yung manila hostage taking. . .hmmmpt. . .MAG ISIP-ISIP nga kayo mga taga media know your boundaries even though the scene is not too critical dont wait for it to be more critical
Philippine Media Agree to Restrictions
... Dapat lang.
PHILIPPINE MEDIA
Are one of the most abusive,arrogant and irresponsible media organizations in the world. They have countless violations in the past and present and never learned their mistakes. To all media personalities including lapdog clown ABS-CBN, don't cry out loud if one of your fellow journalists are killed or gunned down. DISGRACE SHAME ON YOU
ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Don't tell me that before this crisis and this restrictions, the media could actually show soldiers in dangerous situations? So the media could actually show soldiers hunting down terrorits and the terrorits could just follow them on tv and ambush them?
I remember when Ces Drillon was kidnapped, ABSCBN had a news blackout of the situation, why didn't they practice this restraint during the hostage situation?
I think we should investigate the killings of journalist and media people, maybe in some situation these people just stuck out their necks too far to get a scoop or increase their ratings.
Philippine Media
Maybe it is time that our media or broadcasting company at the philippines would know responsible journalism, not just to be the first in a scoop but to know the effect of every news delivered..and frankly pls. dont be too bias... yes i know. ABSCBN and GMA,just make news delivery compact and full of information. Bec. sometimes news delivered today can be a decision made tomorrow....be responsible enough as a professional and as a human being....
Kulang-kulang
It should not be only for protecting the media and for preventing interference during operation. But also to preserve the scene of the crime, the evidences, and the well-being of the suspects.