Presentation at 10+3 Media Cooperation Forum
By Rinji Takeoka
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Inc., Japan
First Session: Role of Media in promoting regional cooperation
Media is playing a certain role in modus operandi of each society which has different historical and cultural experiences. And the role of media has been changing depending on the level of societal development. In South Korea, for example, media has enjoyed its influence over every step and every sector of society in 70s, 80s, and even early 90s when military authoritarian government ruled and no full democracy was guaranteed. Close ties between some media and the authoritarian government limited the role of media as a tool of propaganda and not as representing diverse voices/ opinions of society.
In regard of regional cooperation and integration of many countries sharing different level of development and not necessarily sharing their history, we should not overestimate the role of media in enhancing political trust, mutually beneficial economic cooperation and in extending cultural understanding and exchanges of their peole.
In some countries major media, especially broadcasting TV (sometimes owned or controlled by the government) is manipulated by the government and cannot play a role as balanced messengers for readers and viewers.
However, we should not as well underestimate the positive role of media which can connect people in different culture and broadening the common ground for cooperation between governments and countries.
In some cases, major media can play a certain role in preventing the controversial matters between countries and cultures from getting worsened, but in most cases media are often criticized as it highlights the issue.
We, the Korean newspaper group has hosted for the last ten years, called the Asia-Europe Press Forum(formerly Asia Forum), a gathering of senior media people from Asian and European countries in Seoul and have an informal two-day talks on the current issues and contribute to enhancing
understanding between different cultures and countries. That is a good example for the media to play a certain positive and constructive role..
We, JoongAng media group also launched two years ago, called the Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum, a gathering of 30 senior distinguished people from China, Japan and Korea and discuss informally potentially controversial issues between countries and the region. This Forum is supported by three major media group of three countries and introduce some selected gist of the talks to the people of three countries.
Free Trade Agreement(FTA) has remained for the last two years in Korea a controversial issue and raised lots of debate in Korean society as well as in political circle. Media in this process played a certain role to highlight the problematic points in the FTA between Korea and the U.S. and sometimes played a constructive role in educating the people. Any media in any country should get prepared for taking some role play to get sided or get balanced as well as educating people by promoting information flow which guarantees product and service flow which FTA really stands for.
Second Session: How to deliver and strengthen Asia’s voice
Asian countries have time to time suffered from self-imposed obsession that they are wrongly and in unbalanced manner represented by the Western media. Yes. Sometimes that is correct, but not necessarily ..and Asian societies would better be proud of their own success and development in economic wealth as well as societal maturity including press freedom and media industry.
Problems might be in Asian countries’ mindset in dealing with Western media. For example, Western media could get access to the information more easily than Asian reporters mostly because Asian sources of information simply think Western media are more influential and more balanced in their reporting. As far as such mindset keeps unchanged, Asians cannot simply blame Western media’s voice is louder and influential than Asians.
Asian countries and information sources could better treat well their own media and reporters and respect their talent..then more balanced and better reporting and news would come out from our own regional media which eventually is to draw attention and respect from other Western media and societies.
For example, when we report on six-party talks on North Korean nuclear issue, the Chinese host authorities should treat our Asian countries’ reporters and media well or preferably better than do other Western media reporters..Well.. that is not the case. Asian regional countries are more influenced by the result
of the six-party talks and have naturally more attention to the issue. The Chinese host should keep that in mind.
As far as information technology is concerned, Asian countries especially Japan and Korea are often mentioned ahead of the trend in technology development. We now should pay further attention to the media as an industry from our previous and current mindset to approach the media from journalism’s perspective. Then we could get more sensitive to the information technology growth and will have a more powerful media business which can compete with Western media mogul. (Which probably is the way to increase the voice and influence of Asian media and societies.)
Third Session: 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and its Reporting
No doubt, the Beijing Olympics will be a big success and will contribute to the regional peace as well as harmonious world by enhancing understanding between different cultures.
We as Asian media do not expect any special treatment compared with other Western media, and we do just want fair opportunities provided to all media coverage and reporting. But we should face the reality that some Western TV are more powerful and strong in transferring image and message to the world comparing with major Asian media including TVs.
I just hope our Asian media would get prepared for making their program and coverage added by their own touch of skill and sense based on unique demand of their viewers and readers. In this process, the Beijing Olympic authorities would provide equally to Asian media with affluent information and reporting opportunities. And I trust the host in this regard. Which will make the Beijing Olympics a uniquely successful event.
Written Speech
By Rinji Takeoka,
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Inc., Japan
Driven by the private sector, economic integration among the ten ASEAN nations, plus the East Asian countries of China, Korea and Japan, has made lots of progress. Trade within the region, as a percentage of total trade, was less than 40% twenty years ago, but has since risen to over 55%, exceeding the 45% achieved by NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), and approaching the 66% ratio for the 25 countries of the European Union.
There are two major contributing factors to this change. One is the sudden shift toward the modularization of manufacturing processes backed by advances in information technology. Conventionally, from raw material to finished product, all manufacturing processes are basically performed by one enterprise. However, modularization has separated these processes, making it possible for the manufacturer of the final product to just procure parts and assemble the product at their own convenience. This change began to take place from the late 1990s with the proliferation of the Internet, which supported the development of numerous B to B (business to business) relationships. This enabled companies to select from suppliers around the world, with the Internet simplifying the search for, and procurement of, parts and components.
The second major contributing factor was genuine measures taken since the 1990s to open up the economies of the East Asian countries. ASEAN promoted the creation of AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Agreement), while China’s entry into the WTO resulted in enormous changes. Vietnam also entered the WTO this year.
These two factors, namely the modularization of manufacturing processes and the opening up of these economies to the world, enabled East Asia to become the world’s leading manufacturing center, where parts and components are being supplied on a mutual basis for making finished products.
The world of politics took note of this private sector development, leading to the holding of the first East Asia Summit (EAS) in December 2005 in Kuala Lumpur. This meeting was the first time that leaders discussed the possibility of an East Asia Community. Unlike the EU, economic integration was already being undertaken by the initiative of private enterprise, making this a distinctive feature of East Asia itself. I believe that the media will be in support of integration as long as it contributes to peace and prosperity in the region and is not characterized by exclusivity. Stronger economic links mean that no country’s economy will be able to survive without the existence of others, a situation which in turn will bring about a strengthening in regional security.
The role of the media in East Asia is to report on what is happening, and to explain the meaning of developments from a fair and impartial standpoint, representing various viewpoints, in a quick and accurate manner. Accurate, unbiased reporting and sound journalism is the basis for a market economy and democracy. Should rumors, biased reportage and manipulated information proliferate, and a shortage of information becomes the norm, a healthy market economy or a true democracy cannot be expected to develop. The realization of accurate and unbiased reporting can only result from freedom in investigation and reporting activities.
For this very reason, China, which will be hosting Olympics in Beijing in 2008, should certainly embrace these principles. The Olympics will draw people from around the world. These people will be seeking news of the Olympics as well as other news through the media of their home countries and in their own language. This is a very natural demand. I hope that free investigation and reporting, as well as local printing of foreign newspapers, will take place in China as soon as possible.
A free press will, at times, bring news that is unpleasant. Naturally, there will be reports that straightforwardly point out problems. Yet I am sure that this will be accepted as long as the reporting is fair and impartial, without malicious intent.
At this present stage, the important task may be to create foundations for trust toward foreign media and its candid language.
In this regard, the media, being a private enterprise with a highly “public” nature, has a role that it can play.
Based on a proposal from General Secretary Hu Yaobang, Nikkei Shimbun and China’s People’s Daily held the first “Japan-China Economic Symposium” in 1984, an event that has continued to be held once every two years. I am confident that this event has contributed to the development of economic relations between China and Japan.
Nikkei Shimbun also endeavors to promote the frank exchange of opinions among the political and economic leaders of Asia as a means of deepening mutual understanding. Since 1995, it has held the International Conference on “The Future of Asia,” each year in May or June. At the 13th Conference this year, nine foreign media (see below for full list） participated as media partners, reporting on the proceedings to their respective audiences.
ASEAN leaders who regularly attend this conference note that “being a privately organized event, one is free to speak out and opinions can be exchanged without restraint.” It is a place where people can discuss issues that are difficult to bring up at an official venue of diplomacy.
The “Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum,” founded in 2006 at the suggestion of JoongAng Ilbo of Republic of Korea, and organized jointly by JoongAng Ilbo, Nikkei Shimbun and China’s Xinhua News Agency, is also an example of a private enterprise making the most of its unrestricted nature.
Until recently, political/diplomatic relations between Japan, China and Republic of Korea were troubled and ASEAN 10 + 3 meetings were the only opportunity for face to face meetings of political leaders and diplomats. Political and diplomatic impasse in Northeast Asia presented a large impediment for economic integration. It was under these circumstances that the “Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum” was set up; to prepare a stage where corporate executives, cultural figures and scholars of China, Korea and Japan can enhance exchange and to clear the path for politicians and diplomats.
The media, making the most of its “public” nature, can also make a contribution to exchange and mutual understanding of young people in the region. Since 2006, Nikkei Shimbun, together with the China Education Association for International Exchange and The Society of Chinese Professors in Japan, has annually held a Japanese-language Speech Contest for students from all parts of China. The aim of this contest is to provide an opportunity for college students studying Japanese in China to visit Japan and to participate in cultural exchange with Japanese people. This is why the contest finals for the seventeen contestants who came through preliminary rounds held in eight blocks in China, are held in Japan.
If we were to simply choose students for their proficiency in the Japanese language regardless of their place of study, those studying in the Beijing region, East China and Northeast China where the environment for Japanese studies is better, would be favorites to reach the finals. To give a chance for those studying diligently in educationally disadvantageous areas such as the interior regions to visit Japan, two or three contestants from each of the eight blocks are invited to the contest finals.
In East Asia, a region characterized by its diversity, the media is also diverse in character. For example, relationship of the media with governments and political parties vary greatly from country to country. Yet despite these differences, media can join hands to play various roles in helping people of the region to deepen mutual understanding and to share the benefits of sustainable economic development.
In conclusion, I would like to state that the thoughts expressed above are my own personal opinions, and not to be understood as those of my employer, the Nikkei Shimbun.
Media Partners at the 13th “Future of Asia”
The Straits Times (Singapore), Kompas (Indonesia), New Straits Times (Malaysia), Bangkok Post (Thailand), Vietnam News Agency (Vietnam), People's Daily (China), JoongAng Ilbo (Republic of Korea), Maeil Business Newspaper (Republic of Korea), CNBC Asia Pacific
Presentation at 10+3 Media Cooperation Forum
By Gao Changli
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, Good afternoon,
As BOCOG Deputy Director of Media Operations, I’m very honored to be here and to brief you on the latest progress on the Media Operations Preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games.
(Slide)
My presentation consists of five parts, respectively
●Facts and figures of the Olympic Games
●Introduction on BOCOG Media Operations Department
●Key deliverables of Media Operations
●Paralympic Games Media Operations
●Administrative Matters related to the coverage of the Olympic Games by international media
(Slide) Part One
Before my presentation on Media Operations, I’d like to give you some general information about the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Firstly, on some facts and figures of the Olympic Games .
As you know, the Olympic Games Opening ceremony will take place on August 8 ,2008, and the Olympic Village will officially open on July 27 ,2008.There will be 28 sports including three hundred and two (302) events ,with in total ten thousand seven hundred and eight (10,708) athletes competing for 302 gold medals. Besides, there will be seventy thousand (70,000) volunteers from both China and abroad. The Host Broadcaster will be Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd ( BOB ).The total accreditation for written press and BRC will be twenty one thousand six hundred (21,600).
Items Description
Olympic Games Opening ceremony August 8 ,2008
Olympic Village officially opens July 27 ,2008
Sports/ events 28/302
Gold Medals 302
Athletes 10,708
Olympic Games Volunteers 70,000
Host Broadcaster Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd ( BOB )
BOB staff 4,000 (four thousand)
Accredited Written Press & Photographers 5,600 (five thousand six hundred)
Rights Holding Broadcaster staff 12,000 (twelve thousand)
(Slide)
Here is a picture showing the Olympic Venues’ location.
For the 28 sports of the 2008 Olympic games, BOCOG will provide 37 competition venues, 31 of which are located in Beijing, five in other mainland cities (Football in Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao, Sailing in Qingdao) and one in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (Equestrian). The venues in Beijing are relatively concentrated in the following 4 clusters: the Olympic Green Cluster, the Western Community Cluster, the University Area Cluster and the North Scenic Area.
(Slide)
Another picture shows the Olympic Green Plan.
The Olympic Green covers an area of about one thousand one hundred and thirty-five (1,135) hectares, which includes a forest park of about six hundred and eighty (680) hectares and a central area of four hundred and five (405) hectare. It includes 10 competition venues like National Stadium, National Indoor Stadium, National Aquatics Center, etc, and six non-competition venues like MPC, IBC, Olympic Village, etc.
(Slide) Part Two
Now, I’d like to make a brief introduction about BOCOG Media Operations Department. The mission of our department mainly goes as follows:
▲ To provide convenient working conditions and good services for both the press and broadcasters;
▲ To deliver all facilities and services for the five thousand six hundred (5,600) accredited written and photographic press and RHB at the IBC/MPC, all competition venues, Olympic Village, Media Villages, the IOC Hotel and co-host cities;
▲To play a role of interface between BOCOG and the accredited media;
▲To coordinate with BOCOG’s relevant functional areas and governmental authorities to assist the media for their coverage;
▲To be responsible for the coordination with the host broadcaster—BOB.
All these are aimed at contributing to enable all accredited media to execute their best possible coverage of the Olympic Games to the widest possible audience all over the world.
(Slide) Part Three, on Key deliverables of Media Operations.
My department is responsible for both press operations and broadcasting coordination.
As for Press operations, we have five divisions respectively responsible for the delivery of the Main Press Center, Venue Media Centers, Olympic News Service, Photo Services, and Media Services as well.
(Slide) MPC
Firstly, on Main Press Center
The Main Press Center (MPC) is the central work place for the five thousand six hundred (5,600) written and photographic press accredited for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, providing them with 24-hour comfortable support facilities, news and information services .It is also the headquarters of the BOCOG and IOC Press Operations.
The MPC will also be used as the MPC of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Located at the west flank in the Beijing Olympic Green, just opposite to the International Broadcast Center (IBC), MPC provides accredited press with an easy access to the National Stadium, the National Aquatics Center, the National Indoor Stadium and other 7 competition venues as well as the Olympic Village in the Olympic Green.
(Slide)
With a total floor area of sixty thousand (60,000) square meters, the three-storey MPC building will be the largest ever in the Olympic history.
For the first time in the Olympic history, there will be two media hotels within the building of the MPC, one three-star rated and the other, five-star, which will provide the most convenience for representatives of media organizations. According to the requirements of the IOC technical manual, the MPC will officially open one month before the Games.
(Slide)
Inside the MPC, there will be the following Facilities and Services:
A Main Lobby with information desks and commercial outlets will be established.
A Main Press Workroom which accommodate nine hundred and eighty (980) workstations .
Rental office spaces for over 120 news organizations, NOCs and future OCOGs will also be provided for media at Games-time.
Press conference area with five rooms of large, middle and small sizes, together with photo work area and Kodak image center, rate card service center, technology support with results and information services, as well as catering areas will be set up separately for media services at Games-time.
(Slide)
Facilities and Services outside the MPC are as follows:
A media transport hub will be set up shared with the IBC, providing transport services for media between IBC/MPC and venues, Media villages and official media hotels, etc.
Rate card vehicles and Vehicles Access and Parking Permits (VAPPs) will be provided for the media and reserved through rate card only, and Rate Card Parking with 300 parking lots will be ready for Press and 800 for Broadcasters at Games- time.
The Media Accreditation Centre (Guest Pass Office) nearby the MPC and IBC which is dedicated for accredited media will be operating at Games-time.
Taxi ranks will also be set up to provide paid taxi services for the media at Games-time.
(Slide)
This slide shows the MPC location within the Olympic Green
(Slide)
This is a perspective drawing of the MPC Complex.
(Slide)
MPC Operations Timelines is listed here for your reference.
(Slide) Venue Media Services
Now, let’s come to the Venue Media Services
Venue Media Services aim to provide a standard level of facilities and services for accredited press across all the 37 competition venues, both in Beijing and other co-host cities, as well as the Olympic Village, Media Villages and IOC hotel.
Following the design and construction process of each VMC while planning all necessary resources, we will ensure a successful Games-time VMCs services consistent with requirements of IOC Media Technical Manual and successful experiences of previous Games.
(Slide)
Facilities & Services for media in the venues will include:
▲Media vehicle and pedestrian access and flow
▲Press Work Room
▲Press Conference Room
▲Photo Work Room
▲Media Lounge
▲Press Tribunes: tabled and non-tabled
▲Mixed Zone
as well as broadcast related facilities including BRC compound, commentary positions, camera platform.
(Slide)Next is Olympic News Service (ONS)
ONS aims to provide INFO users with a balanced Games news file of professional wire service standards written in clear concise language.
ONS will keep the media informed of Games developments in order to help them achieve the best possible coverage.
ONS news will be presented without bias or favor and independent of all external influence in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
(Slide)
ONS is responsible for providing media with comprehensive Games information services, including pre-Games information, such as athlete biographies and historical results and records, and the Games-time news service，such as Games preview and review, flash quotes, press conference highlights, and media communications as well.
ONS reporters and flash quotes collectors will interview and write stories in English at Games-time.
The stories are to appear on the INFO2008 terminals in 3 different languages, namely English, French and Chinese.
All these ONS services will ensure the fullest possible coverage reach the widest possible audience in the world.
(Slide) The following is Photo Services Photo Services is responsible for planning, providing and managing the facilities and services dedicated to around one thousand one hundred (1,100) accredited photographers, to ensure they are able to capture the best possible images of sports, ceremonies and related events.
Key tasks of Photo Services include:
▲To provide the best possible photo positions at each competition venue;
▲To deliver efficient venue and photo services operational planning at Games time;
(Slide)
▲To Staff and manage the photographic services and facilities at the MPC and all competition venue;
▲To ensure that the technology meets the demands of the digital photography age;
▲And to guarantee photo service level consistent with previous Games.
(Slide)
Photo services will be provided at MPC and all the other venues at Games-time.
At the MPC, BOCOG has reached an agreement with Kodak to integrate the Kodak Image Center and the photo work area. The current design of the Image Center provides photographers with a full open space in the workstation and full functions of the Image Center.
(Slide)
At the venues, exclusive photo workrooms with spacious workstations, lockers, transmission connection, INFO 2008, CATV, pigeonholes as well as logistics services will be available for photographers.
Venue access and traffic flow for photographers will be provided at their most convenience
Clearly designated photo positions with an unobstructed and direct view of the athletes both at FOP and in the Killed seats when appropriate within venues.
(Slide)The last key deliverable of Press Operations is Media Services, of which the mission goes as follows:
▲ To look after such vital media services provided by FAs within BOCOG as Accommodation, Accreditation, Transportation, Telecommunications & Technologies, Rate Card, Publication, Specialist Media Volunteer Program, Language Services, etc. and ensure that media needs are understood and met.
(Slide)
▲To liaise with news organizations on behalf of BOCOG FAs and helping them with advice on press requirements.
▲To keep a close working relationship with BOB and IOC Media Operations to oversee the delivery of all services to media
▲To coordinate relevant Chinese governmental authorities for specific policies for media coverage before and during the Olympic Games
(Slide)
Here I list some key Progress & Timelines of Media Services for your reference.
(Slide) Next part is on Broadcasting Coordination
As another part of Media operations responsibility, the mission of Broadcasting Coordination includes:
▲To serve as a contact point among BOCOG, various Chinese governmental departments, BOB, Rights-Holding Broadcasters and other relevant parties
▲To coordinate delivery of services by BOCOG to BOB and RHBs
▲To assist BOCOG in fulfilling its obligation under agreements and
▲To establish a mutually rewarding relationship with each RHB and BOB
(Slide)
Here, I’d like to give you a brief introduction on BOB.
As the host broadcaster for the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2008 Paralympic Games, BOB has officially come into operation in September, 2004.
BOB is a Sino-foreign cooperative joint venture founded and established by BOCOG and OBS in accordance with the law and regulations of the People’s Republic of China.
Media Operations Department is the liaison point between BOB and BOCOG
(Slide) Part Four
The fourth part is about Paralympic Games Media Operations
The following are some plans and achievements on Paralympic Games Media Operations Preparations:
▲We will remain the same service level as Olympic Games ,while with a smaller scale during the Paralympic Games.
▲While planning services and facilities for media across all venues, we take special requirements into consideration from media representatives with disability.
▲All accessibility facilities will be completed before Olympic Games so as to decrease works during transition period and meet requirements of media representatives with disability during the Olympic Games
(Slide)
▲We will make use of the same MPC & IBC for the Paralympic Games .
▲Media Service plans for Paralympic Games have been initiated in terms of accreditation, accommodation, transport, etc.
(Slide)Part Five
The last part of my presentation is Administrative Matters
Over the past years, China’s relevant government authorities have made great efforts to facilitate the coverage conducted by foreign journalists in China and some legal actions are being taken or will be taken in this connection.
One important approach is the Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists During the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period which took into effect on January 1st this year.
And, up to now, we have already received very positive feedbacks from international community especially from international media.
(Slide)
Compared with the past practice, this regulation represents some major improvements as follows:
▲Visa application procedures for media representatives coming to China for the coverage at Games-time has been simplified;
▲Customs clearance for equipments for media representatives coming to China for the coverage at Games-time has been simplified;
▲ In accordance with the regulation, for reporting needs, foreign journalists may, on a temporary basis, bring in, install and use radio communication equipment and assistance will be provided in frequency coordination.
▲ In addition, foreign journalists may travel across China to carry out interviews and reporting activities without restrictions. To interview organizations or individuals in China, journalists need only to obtain their prior consent. Foreign journalists can carry out reporting activities not only on the Beijing Olympic Games and the preparatory period, but also on politics, economy, society and culture of China.
▲Foreign journalists may, through organizations providing services to foreign nationals, hire Chinese citizens to assist them in their reporting activities.
(Slide)
Furthermore, based upon the Olympic practice and the actual needs of the media, the Chinese government has also made efforts by adopting specific policies and streamlining procedures in various areas in order to provide better working conditions for the media.
These specific policies and procedures cover the sectors including:
Work Permit and Resident Permit
Filming at Historical and Cultural Sites
Interviewing Chinese Athletes
Reporting Public Emergency
Lease of Housing and Offices
Temporarily Import of Motor Vehicles
Temporary Driving License
Taxation
Insurance Purchase
Short-term Bank Account
Policy on Retail of foreign newspapers and periodicals
Foreign Satellite TV Programs
Policy on Internet Access
(Slide)
Based upon the regulations on news coverage by foreign media during the Beijing Olympics, as well as the preferential policies mapped by the Chinese government for the Games, an "International Media Service Guide " is being compiled by BOCOG.
The guide will provide detailed information and guidance on the implementation of policies and procedures on various issues in relation to the media coverage of the 2008 Games.
(Slide)
“One-stop” services
From July 1st 2007, “One-stop” services come into work in the Beijing Olympic Media Center, it aims to providing all necessary administrative permits and licenses as well as services by relevant Chinese governmental departments and to assist the international media in solving problems in the coverage during the Games and the preparation period.
(Slide)
Ladies and gentlemen, as the main contact point for accredited media, we, the BOCOG Media Operations Department, is committed to providing best services and working conditions to all the accredited media covering the Beijing Games in accordance with Olympic practice and IOC requirements.
In the coming years, we will as always try our utmost to offer quality and convenient services to foreign media and provide perfect media operations before and during the Games.
(Slide)
Thank you.
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