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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 49
5W1H + MINDFULNESS:
IS THIS THE FUTURE OF
JOURNALISM
By Lim Kooi Fong
Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? – also called the six sigma
of information gathering are the tools taught at basic journalism schools.
Every budding reporting cadet are drilled to probe issues and to deeply
investigate using these methods.
But like any other tools, it is the intent of its use that decides the outcome
of the application. In many cases, these “intent” is the agenda of the tool
owners. These intent masks what Is known as media bias, which include
(but not exclusive to) conservative bias, corporate bias, liberal bias and
mainstream bias.
Many news outlets today openly declare that they stand for unbiased truth
Lim Kooi Fong has been a and transparency yet packages their presentation to suit the needs of their
student of Buddhism and a targeted readers or listeners, leading to what is often called as post truth
Dharma teacher for more politics.
than 30 years. He actively
conducts Dharma talks for If one turns on, say CNN (the USA), BBC (the UK), CCTV (China), RT (Russia)
Buddhist societies around the or even Al-Jazeera (Qatar), by and large debates are framed to appeal to
Klang Valley. He is the founder emotions disconnected from factual focus, and by the repeated assertion of
of the Buddhist Channel talking points to which rebuttals are ignored.
(www.buddhistchannel.tv)
and Buddhist Travel (www. With the advent of the internet and social media, the ease of viral sharing
buddhistravel.com). He has perpetuated emotional debates. By cherry picking expert opinions to
support a position and relegating facts as secondary importance relative to
graduated with a B.Business
emotional appeal, the process encourages herd mentalities.
from the Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia, and is a life member
A skilled social media manipulator can easily channel different sets of
of Upakara Kalyana Mitta
communication to various groups that would allow certain levels of
Buddhist Association (UKMBA). emotional pressure points to develop. The aim is simple: that is to foster
He currently manages a web adversarial views and ferment verbal and mental conflicts.
development company in
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. For instance, an unskillful handling of “balanced reporting”, that is, to
report views from two extreme polar stance and then to provide facilities to
