Dark Abyss: Larry Flynt

>> QUOTE “ Empty”

>>News Flash! 新聞亂報>>

<<下面繼續 Keep Blogging<<

January 09, 2006

Larry Flynt

A Freedom of Speech crusader, better known for his ownership of Hustler Magazine and several other pornographic publications, under Larry Flynt Publications, Larry Flynt is one of the odd idols that one can revere.

Share Video and Photos at DropShots.com

I have to admit that whilst watching The People vs. Larry Flynt(1996), i was touched deep down inside. For one, i admire his determination in pushing for what he believes is right. A trait lacking in most nowadays. For another, i admire the love and affection that he showered on his 4th wife, the AIDS stricken druggie, Althea(played by Courteney Love in the movie).

I recount debating with a senior a couple of months before, on the zest of local journalists in pushing for press freedom and an unintervened journalism. Given the intervention of political and corporate influences, the Taiwanese journalism is far from the democracy our nation claims. Established upon a history of press bans and restrictions under the reign of the pioneering President, Chiang Kai-Shek, the Taiwanese media has been unable to shake off a directorial board of political figures governing the directions of the publications. Despite laws that were passed years back, banning the presence of figures with political status to hold stock and governing control over any Radio, Television or Print media, there still exists hidden influences exerted on the media by stockholders without evident political status, yet are participating political activists.

One evident problem in the Taiwan media is the fact that it lacks a respectable Journalists Union to represent the rights of journalists across the island. As such, journalists are susceptible to blackmails on their positions when a controversial issue of a media stakeholder arises, and the affected editors are obliged to protect the interests of their bosses. Without a decent union, Journalists will never be able to rise to the occasion, to serve the fourth estate power of the media.

What is easy to say, and difficult to act upon, is to call out to journalists to stand united, and wage an open outcry, in order to lobby for a truly free press, in which journalists are at liberty to pry into the dark side of public figures, in the pretext of public interest. One would have to possess the fortitude demonstrated by Mr. Flynt, to disregard personal interest and fight for what is really "right" for the positive proliferation of the media industry.

Like i said, its more easily said than done. And even if there exists an individual with the sights and courage to walk down this path, it takes two to tango. And even more to form a rowdy crowd to actually create enough ruckus to garner the public's attention. Yet, it is still a vision members of the media can strive towards, in creating a respectable and ideal mediascape.

:: Yan Lee confessed at 11:33 PM