Communication is crucial. The media’s role in conveying news and public relations significantly impacts society, economy, and politics. Communication methods have evolved with technology. Previously, news dissemination was slower and filtered before publication. However, technology now enables rapid communication through the internet, online media, and sharing, creating trends or ripple effects for communication goals or business success. This may lead to forgetting good media ethics in pursuit of better ratings, followers, and sponsorship opportunities.
Ethics and survival have become critical questions, raising concerns about whether being a good media outlet while surviving in the current situation is still possible. Media ethics and professional conduct should be emphasized and elevated in content creation. News presentation should avoid distortion, bias, or favoring any particular side, which could lead to domination that prevents neutral reporting. Mass media professionals must be ethically cautious in their presentation, as every communication impacts individuals, society, and the economy. Particularly regarding political domination, media must maintain true independence and present news creatively showing both sides equally. When media isn’t dominated by political or power groups, maintains genuine neutrality, freely presents both sides, and verifies facts for society, these aspects of presentation, imagery, tone, and other elements are crucial for professional mass communicators to prioritize. They must maintain neutrality to promote a civilized society rather than taking sides. The problems of neutrality and domination are structural issues, arising from capitalist monopolies, government or political interference, or pressure for commercial benefits. These reflect the threats to media rights and freedoms, as well as the rights and freedoms of the audience.
Modern media, born from technological evolution, offers a way to reduce monopolization and provide more choices for the public. However, unfiltered information, both true and false, remains a concern that all parties must address as part of good media ethics. This includes the role of regulatory bodies in content oversight, monitoring TV program proportions to maintain public order and morality, and establishing clear legal mechanisms for inspection and punishment to raise awareness, encourage behavioral change, and ensure quality control before public presentation.
Mr. Thatchayanat Jianthanatkanon