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Press Releases

Media Seminar to Discuss the Attitudes and Skills in Reporting Persons with a Mental Illness

24/02/2001

Over 200 participants attended the Media Seminar on News Reporting and Mental Illness held on 24 February 2001 (today) to discuss the attitudes & skills in reporting persons with a mental illness. Representatives from media organizations, government departments, social welfare agencies, rehabilitation groups, psychiatric hospitals, journalism departments of various tertiary institutes and users of psychiatric rehabilitation service shared their experiences and joined in discussions which focused on a positive approach in reporting the issue of mental illness.


The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has joined hands with the Journalism & Media Studies Centre of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), Hong Kong News Executives' Association (HKNEA) and Hong Kong Federation of Journalists (HKFJ) to organize this seminar. Its objective is to encourage media organizations to adopt an objective reporting style and portrayal of mental illness to avoid prejudice and stereotyping of persons with a mental illness.


In her opening remarks, Ms. Anna Wu, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, explained the importance of media coverage in encouraging social acceptance and rehabilitation of persons with a mental illness. "The media has a great influence on how and what we perceive as mental illness. Sensational reports about mental illness can reinforce myths and stigmatise further those with a mental illness, discouraging them from seeking help and creating obstacles in their recovery." Ms. WU said.


"It is important for media practitioners to achieve a balance between the reporting of something of public importance and the objective reporting and portrayal of mental illness. Impartial and unbiased reports can not only promote a better understanding of persons with a mental illness, but also strengthen mutual respect in our society. This is critical and beneficial for their rehabilitation and re-integration into the community." Ms. Wu added.


Today's panel speakers included Prof. Yuen Ying CHAN, Director of Journalism & Media Studies Centre of the University of Hong Kong, Ms. MAK Yin-ting, Chairperson of the HKJA, Dr. CHEUNG Kwai Yeung, Vice Chairman of the HKNEA, Mr. Sze Ching-bun, Executive of the HKFJ, Dr. Sing LEE, Associate Professor (Psychiatry) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Dr. TSANG Fan-kwong, Senior Medical Officer of the Castle Peak Hospital and Mr. Joseph CHAN, user of psychiatric rehabilitation service.



The Journalism & Media Studies Centre of the University of Hong Kong had released a preliminary study of press coverage of mental illness issues in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China. The pilot project examined newspaper reports on the issue in the past six months.



Members of the public and media practitioners are welcome to obtain a free copy of the seminar's information kit, comprising:


- "Mental Illness and the Media" - a summary of EOC focus group findings


- Media Reference on Mental Illness


- Journalists' Code of Professional Ethics issued by HKJA, HKNEA, HKFJ and HKPHA (This code of ethics can be downloaded at HKNEA's website: www.jlm.cuhk.edu.hk/nea)


- Summary of the preliminary study of press coverage of mental illness issues in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, conducted by the Journalism & Media Studies Centre of the University of Hong Kong


- Resource List of Professional Bodies and Experts on Mental Health in Hong Kong

Enquiry: Mr. Sam HO 21062187
 

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