Media must provide better quality information: panelists

Informative content that meets the needs of the general public is the most important consideration when looking at ways to ensure the survival of media outlets, panelists have said.
Lao news organisations should improve their content and standards of professionalism by creating products that deliver value to audiences.
This was the message from a panel comprising former diplomats and business leaders, who shared their thoughts on the development of the media industry along with the opportunities and challenges facing the media, at a forum held in Vientiane on Thursday.

The forum was organised by the Lao Journalists Association and China Radio International to mark the 71st anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day (August 13, 1950 - August 13, 2021) and the 60th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic ties between Laos and China.
More than 100 journalists and editors-in-chief from media organisations across the country attended the forum via videoconference.
President of the Lao Journalists Association, Mr Savankhone Razmountry, highlighted the importance of the gathering, which he said was an opportunity for media representatives to discuss opportunities and challenges as well as ways to move forward.
Head of China Radio International Mrs Mo Xiaoling said the forum was an important platform for Lao media and Chinese media operators in Laos to further promote cooperation between the two countries.
Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Bounleuth Luangpaseuth, said news organisations needed to provide information that satisfied people’s actual needs.
“Many people want information on agricultural production and animal husbandry, including how they can raise ducks for commercial purposes,” he said.
“Lots of people grow crops for their own use but don’t know much about how to cultivate crops on a commercial basis, so more information about this issue is necessary.”
Meanwhile the Executive Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Daovone Phachanthavong, pledged to help the media overcome challenges amid shrinking revenue.
“I think the government needs to allocate a larger budget to the media so that news organisations can fulfil their duty and provide better quality information and help people earn a living,” he said.
“If journalists continue to get paid the paltry salaries they currently earn, how can they be expected improve the quality of news content?” he asked.
Former Lao ambassador to Thailand Mr Ly Bounkham said mainstream media outlets must improve their content to counter the growing popularity of new media platforms such as Facebook.
President of the Laos/UK Friendship Association, Mr Xayakan Sisouvong, said the media plays a significant role in promoting Laos to the rest of the world.
“Our media plays an important role in the two strategic tasks of national defence and development, but I acknowledge that media officials need to provide more data (figures) to better explain various issues to the general public,” he said.

By Times Reporters
  (Latest Update August 27, 2021)