Journalists from 15 ASEM countries came together on 28-29 January 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, for a workshop to discuss the roles and responsibilities of journalists in a digitally connected world. This workshop is a special addition to the 8th ASEF Editors’ Roundtable.
During the group discussions and plenary sessions, the participants agreed that one of the most important roles of journalists is to inform their audiences, which could be at a local, national, regional or international level. They also need to write about stories that matter to the people in their communities. They have a responsibility to ensure foreign stories receive the equal amount of journalistic treatment like other local or national stories.
The official opening of the workshop was held at the European External Action Service (EEAS), where Dr Mike McCLUSKEY presented the Asia-Europe Digital Connectivity Survey. This survey aims to analyse the current practices of journalists and readers from Asia and Europe. Dr McCLUSKEY is an international media consultant and the moderator of the 8th ASEF Editors’ Roundtable series.
The 8th ASEF Editors’ Roundtable series is being organised in view of the Asia-Europe Meeting’s (ASEM) 20th Anniversary in 2016. After Brussels, a 2nd workshop (registration is now open) will take place on 7-11 May 2016 in Guangzhou, China, focusing on the same theme of “Digital Connectivity between Asia and Europe”.