The overall aim of AMEP (The Australian Media Engagement Project Inc) is to encourage Australian media professionals to wisely consider and implement initiatives that will:
- Help transform our society into a deeper sense of individual and community meaning and purpose, harmony and prosperity;
- Inform and empower the vulnerable in our society; and
- Affirm, encourage and challenge elite networks and institutions to govern our society justly, mercifully and humbly.
I think you’ll see from this we believe journalists must be powerful protectors of freedoms for the Australian people.
I also believe another protection lies with elected representatives at federal, state and local levels working for the needs of their constituents: not as part of the State or other vested interest.
In this globalised, networked society these protections are more important than ever. Every day I read, view and listen to material that indicates these protections are quietly slipping away from the people into the control of elite networks and institutions.
As an associate of AMEP I’m interested in pursuing three ideas that I think would make Australia a more just and humane country: and give mainstream Australians more say in the government of its affairs.
First, is to generate nation-wide conversation to assess whether journalists should be accountable under a single independent code of conduct – rather than separate codes of conduct of different media organisations.
Second, is to generate nation-wide conversation about standards that would cause elected representatives to be principally and primarily accountable to the electors – before their parties, other vested interests or the State.
Third, because of the universal nature of religion, is to expect journalists to accurately report on issues through the lens of important religious worldviews held by Australians. This would enable audiences to reflect on different moral values involved in important issues, and consider the different impacts each worldview could have on our society.
If you would like to engage in these issues leave your comments below. Or, email me at bob.simpson@amep.org.au and sign up on our website to receive our monthly newsletter for more extensive discussion.
Bob Simpson
Associate
AMEP (The Australian Media Engagement Project Inc)
