The debate was chaired by Isabel Hilton (who also chaired a similar discussion at Frontlines club a few weeks ago).
As opposed to the discussion in Frontllines Club, although good, it was good to see four journalists speak about their respective points of view. Ironically, the panel at Frontlines did not consist of all journalist.
Wang Rujun was easygoing though quick to point out the mistakes and biased the BBC has/had made. Jon Williams, to the point and defensive was equally quick to point out that both the coverage of the Lhasa riots was fair and unbiased adding that due to western journalists could not report accurately due to the having no access to the TAR.
A Chinese student whose English was at beginners level spoke of her unhappiness at the reportage with the BBC and cried while expressing her disparity at why the BBC seem to report on just the negative aspects of China. At that point, Jon Williams said he was truly sorry if the organisation upset people. He also added at several points during the discussion that the BBC did not have an agenda to report negatively about China, they just want to be able to report.
Softely spoken, Ma Guihua expressed that in the perception of western countries, Xinhua is the propaganda media arm and although not denying that it is state controlled media, they do report on stories, as other agencies do and not suppressed to the extent that western countries perceive. She added that China’s open door policy is in development and the west cannot expect the same freedoms enjoyed in the west. Moreover, that Chinese people do like and want democracy and human rights, but the first human rights were to lift hundreds of millions of people from poverty in the last 30 years. The west cannot expect China to have the same ‘freedom’ overnight. These points were backed by Wang Rujun.
Jonathan Fenby spoke with a depth of knowledge and unbiased tone. He had some very good points that seem to slip in. In defence of the BBC, he did say that most of the reportage was fair and if negative, it is because western media does concentrate on the negative as opposed to the Chinese media who more often than not, celebrate the country’s progress and the greatness of the CCP. He also noted that the idea of celebrating one’s government or country is a concept that hasn’t been excercised in a long time in the west (her said 19th century but I think it is more recent than that).
Jon Williams seemed to be constantly batting at the balls thrown at him and in his defence, did well with his knowledge. What I feel he did not do well was to understand the depth of mistrust and disappointment of the BBC by not only the Chinese citizens but by their counterparts. As Isobel Hilton said regarding the front page of a Chinese National paper wrote that western media resembled Nazi Germany’s propaganda (and like wise, the Beijing Olympics has also been compared to the 1933 Games). Isobel Hilton said with humour that she was ‘quite’ offended. I would equate that with the numerous and constant offence the western media have caused to the Chinese people and their government, the most infamous and blunt comment made by CNN’s Jack Cafferty. China had asked CNN for an apology and as Wang Rujun pointed out, that Jon Williams was quick to apologize, unlike CNN, who took weeks.
I felt Jonathan Fenby although spoke little, understood both side the most. Jon Williams although trying, failed to give the strong impression that the BBC was fair. He also appeared to have failed to try to really understand the Chinese people, culture and the country. In his position, it would work in his favour better if he was more humble and tried to do this before speaking in defence first. He even went as far as to say the accusations made by the Chinese population who signed a 1 million petition was ‘unfair’ as most could not have had access to the BBC. I suspect there would have been a few million more on the petition if everyone in China did had access.
What I found most enduring was the statement Jon Williams made that the BBC always try to get it right but they can make mistakes.
One would think the standard of journalism and power of media in these modern times is such that one only reports if it is 100% accurate, not reporting just because you have a deadline.
I briefly spoke to a few of the Chinese students and also made contact with Ma Guihua.
An audio pod cast will be available to listen to soon.
While walking to the University I went past the Chinese Embassy where they flew the flag at half mast, day three and last of the national mourning period, also a first for China. At the debate, one minute of silence was observed.
- J
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