HAMMAD UL HASSAN
School of Social Sciences (Mass Communication)
Lincoln University College Malaysia
The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception of Stateless Nations (H1)
Abstract
In nations where the state is absent or where there are still obstacles in the establishment of a regular state system or where there is a state but only in name, then there is a need to awaken an awareness and atmosphere in such areas or countries and nations and for this most important duty, the role of the media is worth writing in gold letters, but first of all, there is a need to understand the ground realities there. In such a situation, it is necessary to establish a relationship and relationship between media workers and the public. For this purpose, if we study the existing material and such nations and critically examine it, we can easily come to the conclusion that how the media uses a complete framework to choose objectives and destinations and plays a role in shaping public opinion as well as clarifying the policies of a non-state nation. My personal analysis says that the media is the greatest weapon in shaping any public opinion. Often, it has been seen that the media can also change the thinking of areas and individuals where the thinking, ideas and policies of the majority are different . There are differences in which sometimes the media fails to successfully convey its agenda to the public mind or it gets mixed up, but most of the media is successful in conveying its agenda and thinking to the public mind.
If we look at the relationship between media, politics and identity, then we will be able to go deeper and better understand the role of the media in a nation where there is no state and we will understand the role of media representatives and workers in such a situation. My attempt will be to explain in depth how the media plays a role in shaping public opinion and how it is important in policy making and at the same time, an attempt will be made to explain how the media can play a more subtle and profound role in shaping the minds of stateless nations and their representation.
Key Points
Introduction, Case Studies: Stateless Nations in the Media Spotlight, Media Accountability in Stateless Regions, Challenges in Media Representation, Strategies for More Effective Media Engagement, Conclusion
Table of Content
| Introduction |
| Case Studies: Stateless Nations in the Media Spotlight |
| Media Accountability in Stateless Regions |
| Challenges in Media Representation |
| Strategies for More Effective Media Engagement |
| Conclusion |
Introduction
Stateless nations are groups of individuals or civilizations whose way of life, civilization, culture, and language are all different, and the main drawback is that they do not have a connection or identity with the international community, but rather have established their own political and geographical identity and borders. Then they neither care about the rights of other nations nor do they care about international laws. However, some of these groups or individuals try to gain public recognition by using the media in various ways to prove or convince their presence on the global stage.In nations where the state is absent or where there are still obstacles in the establishment of a regular state system or where there is a state but only in name, then there is a need to awaken an awareness and atmosphere in such areas or countries and nations and for this most important duty, the role of the media is worth writing in gold letters, but first of all, there is a need to understand the ground realities there. In such a situation, it is necessary to establish a relationship and relationship between media workers and the public. For this purpose, if we study the existing material and such nations and critically examine it, we can easily come to the conclusion that how the media uses a complete framework to choose objectives and destinations and plays a role in shaping public opinion as well as clarifying the policies of a non-state nation. My personal analysis says that the media is the greatest weapon in shaping any public opinion. Often, it has been seen that the media can also change the thinking of areas and individuals where the thinking, ideas and policies of the majority are different. There are differences in which sometimes the media fails to successfully convey its agenda to the public mind or it gets mixed up, but most of the media is successful in conveying its agenda and thinking to the public mind.
If we look at the relationship between media, politics and identity, then we will be able to go deeper and better understand the role of the media in a nation where there is no state and we will understand the role of media representatives and workers in such a situation. My attempt will be to explain in depth how the media plays a role in shaping public opinion and how it is important in policy making and at the same time, an attempt will be made to explain how the media can play a more subtle and profound role in shaping the minds of stateless nations and their representation.In the case of highlighting issues or setting an agenda or bringing public opinion to the fore, the media does all this work and for this the media has to face numerous problems and difficulties. Sometimes it is very important to bring to the fore the suppressed voices and problems in such stateless areas and nations. It is quite difficult to understand what the relationship between a stateless nation and the media is, but the media is always busy raising awareness and at the same time tries to bring to the fore such things and problems that make it easier to understand what the purpose of the hard work and struggle of these stateless nations is or what the secret and reason behind it could be. A good example of this is the Kurds, who despite being present in a large number, have maintained their own separate existence and identity. Or the media brought the attention of the international community to the atrocities committed against Muslims in Rohingya, but it did not have any special impact on the Myanmar government. However, the Muslims in Rohingya remained stateless.
I will discuss in more detail how the media works in stateless areas later. The media also faces numerous problems such as lack of awareness among the public or wrong public opinion regarding the media, restrictions and problems from the government or the occupying group. In such a situation, there is a need to further strengthen media workers and representatives so that it can be easier for them.
Theoretical Foundations
Media Imperialism
It is very important to understand that this is a critical concept of how the media of the whole world is working. This can be easily understood in such a way that powerful nations use the media to try to dominate their ideologies and civilization over other nations or weak countries or to try to integrate their identity into themselves, just as the Western economically developed society and especially the British and American nations want to dominate their media over developing countries and nations and have been successful in this effort to a large extent so far. Similarly, developed or strong nations want to dominate their civilization, culture, speech, way of life and even language over weak nations. For this purpose, the media is the biggest weapon. If critically examined, then the structure of the media, its power and its effects on society are included. But at the same time, if the media is used, weak and defeated nations can also keep their existence and civilization alive because now is the era of modernity. For this purpose, the media is related to information, power and its functioning. It is by procedure.
Media Hegemony
It is related to the study of how groups or individuals with particular ideologies gain control over the media or control it to the point where they use the media to impose their ideologies, beliefs, and social norms on others.
According to Antonio Gramsci’s theory, if we look at it, the role of the media is such that the media does not tell the truth, but rather it tells specific problems, creates stories, and promotes specific ideas in the light of the coming instructions.
This work happens only when certain types of elements or powerful elites or a media firm with a specific ideology work or the government wants to smooth out public opinion. When power is in the hands of certain individuals or certain political parties, then the provision of accurate information on the media is affected and in the light of this information, the power of people to decide is affected.
If we look at such an example, six companies in America are controlling about 90% of the media, then they use the media keeping in mind their will and benefit.
But at the same time, there are some things that are constantly challenging the role of the media. For example, educated people have a deep and critical eye on the media and the elements behind everything that happens on the media
Similarly, there are movements and organizations at the grassroots level that believe in the voice of truth and promote independent media.
Case Studies: Stateless Nations in the Media Spotlight
Kurdish Media & MED‑TV
When powerful nations try to impose their ideologies on the weak, then there are some nations that are stateless but are not ready to merge their existence and civilization with any other and then they are also struggling to compete with them in the field of media. As a case study, MED-TV is the first Kurdish satellite channel that is working to promote Kurdish culture, language and civilization. It was launched in 1990, which not only brings the voice and problems of the Kurds to the world, but also describes their existence well in the world. This is a platform that is completely independent from the rest of the world. Here, the Kurdish people express their voice without any restrictions, restrictions or restrictions, and present their history and stories to the world.
Not only that, but this Kurdish platform has gathered a large number of viewers and listeners all over the world who become not only the voice of the Kurds in the rest of the world, but also the voice of the Kurdish problems. We also talk about which strengthens the Kurdish nation to a great extent and at the same time the Kurdish nation has also succeeded in preserving its civilization and culture to a great extent. Similarly, this platform is also negating the dominant ideologies in a very good way and is putting the inside news and problems in front of the world in a good way.
But at the same time, the Kurdish MED-TV is also facing problems, for example, the opposition government’s ban or jamming of broadcasting, as well as political pressure and attempts to shut down its broadcasting. But despite all this, because the Kurdish nation has support, this platform is busy providing and preparing Kurdish journalists and media workers for the future and is also playing the role of a leader for other media workers and journalistic institutions, which further strengthens their determination and they are also busy expressing the voice and problems of the Kurds.
Central Asia: Multimedia Storytelling
Round about 37,000 People stateless in central asia, January 2024
In Central Asian countries, civilization, culture and historical heritage are being promoted through multimedia. For this purpose, multimedia is working digitally and these platforms are being used.
In this regard, the use of digital technology is particularly noteworthy. Rather, nations and countries are also able to gain considerable benefits and exchange through its use. By highlighting the historical heritage of their regions, a large number of tourists can be attracted and forced to come there. Because the beauty and beauty of nature have an attraction. Just like using videos and pictures, not only can the attention of our viewers and listeners be gained, but their number can also be increased. For this purpose, our local population and the heritage associated with it are filmed and used in a positive way using digital media. Similarly, by using digital voices, the youth can be used in our cultural exhibition.
For example, we can say that preserving our historical and cultural heritage through digital methods, or let’s say digital museums, all of this is not only possible today, but has become very easy, especially stateless nations are using digital media to the fullest.
Just like using social media to express their problems, to connect society with each other, and to take cultural initiatives, regular institutions are now working for this purpose.
American University of Central Asia
As the American University of Central Asia is conducting programs specifically related to digital media, journalism, and public opinion shaping, as well as courses and various projects that are using digital sources to describe social changes in Central Asia.
Yan Matusevich
Is a multimedia that covers journalistic and stories on political, cultural, migration, and society in Europe and Central Asia.
“Without the Nationality you are Invisible”
Rohingya Crisis & Humanitarian Media Impact
When the human tragedy in Rohingya emerged and the existence of humanity seemed to be in danger, the media played a role to some extent in bringing it to the world’s attention and to some extent humanity could be saved there, but it did not work the way it should have.
Facebook faced severe criticism in 2017 for exaggerating hate speech in the Rohingya issue, and it was said that it had contributed to violence and oppression.
Similarly, the mainstream media developed a framework and narrative on the Rohingya issue and then paved the way for public reaction at the national and international levels, but narrow-minded and negative journalism always not only hinders the path of truth and real journalism, but also burys the truth and reality somewhere. This had the effect of presenting the Rohingya refugees as a burden.
Research certainly reveals that by describing any issue and thing on the media, humanitarian organizations are definitely mobilized, but the role of the media is ambiguous. And it is unclear, but to understand the role of the media in the humanitarian tragedy in Rohingya, it is necessary to read articles from well-known newspapers such as the New York Times, The Guardian
Impact on Humanitarian Response
Playing the most important role in this whole issue, the media drew the attention of the whole world to the Rohingya tragedy and along with the global attention, those working on human rights were also attracted and it was the media’s efforts that forced the government and policymakers to respond and an attempt was made to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis.
But despite all this, the media cannot take its eyes off the problems that arise in such a situation or those faced. This is why despite the efforts of the media, the Rohingya issue is complex and no significant progress has been seen.
In the future, the media will have to adopt such measures and procedures that promote responsible journalism, and prevent hateful content and speeches as much as possible. Because in a crisis, such things become important for the media and human rights organizations. Comprehensive policy and reporting will be required for countries or nations like the Rohingya.
In addition, social media platforms and meta-services will need to be made responsive in crisis situations because social media, along with the media, is a powerful voice.
Palestine a Stateless Nation and Role of Media
The Palestinians are a stateless people who have been engaged in a struggle for a long time and seem to be firmly standing firm. When the human tragedy occurred in Gaza and the existence of humanity seemed to be in danger, the media played a role to some extent in bringing it to the world’s attention and to some extent humanity could be saved there, but it did not work the way it should have because the media also sometimes reports one-sidedly and in support of Israel, and often due to the lack of media outlets, their voices are suppressed. That is why the voice of Gaza could not get the support it should have received on a humanitarian basis.
However, in the same way, the mainstream media prepared a framework and statement on the Gaza issue and then paved the way for public reaction at the national and international levels. With the efforts of the media, it is possible for the voice of the Palestinian people to be heard, their position to be presented to the world and the problems to be highlighted. However, narrow-minded and negative journalism always not only hinders the path of truth and real journalism, but also distorts the truth and reality. It also buries the Palestinian refugees, especially the displaced people of Gaza, as a burden.
The research definitely reveals that by describing any issue or thing on the media, humanitarian organizations are definitely mobilized, but the role of the media is ambiguous and unclear.Playing the most important role in this whole issue, the media drew the attention of the whole world to Palestine and the Gaza Strip, and along with the global attention, those working on human rights were also attracted, and it was the media’s effort that international organizations such as the United Nations or the Security Council are busy trying to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.But despite all this, the media cannot take its eyes off the problems that arise in such a situation. This is why despite the limited efforts of the media, the issue of Palestine is complex and no significant progress has been seen. The media will have to adopt such measures and procedures that promote responsible journalism, hateful content and speeches. The path of should be blocked as much as possible because such things become important in a crisis. Media and human rights organizations will need comprehensive policies and reporting for countries or nations like Palestine.
In addition, social media platforms and meta-services must be made responsive in a crisis situation because along with the media, social media is also a powerful voice.
Media Accountability in Stateless Regions
The most negative role of the media (Local media) in stateless Regions is propaganda, through which the media not only directly affects public thinking and ideas, but also changes them, which changes the emotions and behaviors of the public specially in the stateless regions, which distorts the course of facts, and the real truth is lost somewhere. However, it is worth mentioning in this regard that the media of any country does not play this type of role without an agenda. In order to promote any point of view and thought, the media can achieve public or personal goals by suppressing a news item or giving priority to one news item over another. It should be remembered that when any journalistic institution plays a biased role, it is necessary that there must be some goals for this type of journalism, whether it is the political affiliation of the media owners or someone’s personal agenda. But these things are necessary for biased reporting because all these things are against the principles of journalism.
Just as people already have information Propaganda is carried out by launching a systematic and regular campaign to change, and especially when media owners or representatives work to promote a particular ideology, in such a situation all the principles and rules of journalism get buried somewhere, and then a new and strange ideology is born in the minds of the stateless nation, the solution to which is quite difficult to find. But the requirement of real and genuine journalistic principles is that a journalist or journalistic organization should rely on reliable and accurate sources and should not just rely on them, but should also research this aspect itself so that the original journalistic principles can survive. At the same time, a journalist should work in the field while being aware of the principles that are compatible with the requirements of the modern era.A particular problem that media workers face is the affiliation of media owners with political parties. In my opinion, a particular affiliation with an ideology,party or country is the biggest obstacle in the way of real journalism. Especially in stateless nations, such problems are very common. In addition, due to the prevalence of social media, there is a lot of fake news today, due to which even real and true news is buried and this fake news badly affects public opinion. My personal observation is that sometimes fake news spreads on social media to such an extent that it becomes impossible to provide real and true news. As a result, the media faces severe public criticism and it takes a long time for the facts to come out. Another factor is that every government or powerful person wants to report what they want, or to ignore their corruption, or to put their opponents on the wall. Otherwise, the media may face restrictions and difficulties. Another major weapon is to stop advertising on media institutions, which is equivalent to breaking the back of the media, because throwing money away is a spectacle. A person or party that is financially stable feels as if the media is their personal institution, and often politically and financially strong people build their own media houses and then openly use the media for their own purposes.
Case Study
Catalonia and the Basque Country
When it comes to stateless territories and nations, the state of the media in Catalonia and the Basque Country is particularly noteworthy. Transparency, accurate reporting, and realism in journalism are very difficult here. Catalonia’s complex relationship with Spain undermines media freedom and certain types of problems. Journalists face various types of restrictions, especially when they report on freedom and identity. The Spanish government clamps down on media that speaks of Catalan independence, and pro-independence groups also put pressure on the media.Similarly, the Basque Country is a community located in northern Spain and is known for its rich culture and heritage. It has three provinces: Araba, Biscay and Gipuzkoa. The language spoken here is Euskara, the Basque language.Here they have their own media and the way they run it is different from the rest of Spain. This is a particularly sensitive issue because this region has a distinct identity and language. There is a need to be very careful while reporting, keeping in mind the regional history and issues. However, there are also some media organizations here that care about transparency, but problems still exist. Sensitive and proportionate reporting is linked to cultural sensitivity, while reporting on politics requires a lot of deep thought and understanding.
Challenges in Media Representation
Limited Public Awareness & Misinformation
Media representation in stateless countries is limited or opaque. Stateless peoples face considerable difficulty in accessing accurate information. The reasons for this are varied, such as the lack of awareness among the people there or their ignorance of their history. In such an environment, the media faces considerable difficulty in doing their job properly. Then its effects are felt at the local and global levels. Along with this, there are other competing slogans and voices that cause hesitation, which affects the provision of accurate information. Keeping all these things in mind, the media also has other responsibilities, for example, awareness, education, training and maintaining communication among stateless people, as I mentioned earlier, with the Kurds, Palestinians and the Basque Country community.
State Resistance
In stateless nations, there are various forms of domestic or state pressure, such as censorship, propaganda, or various restrictions on the media that specifically harm the freedom of the media and freedom of expression. For example, if the government feels threatened by a media policy or reporting, it immediately censors it. Similarly, for ideas and voices that may threaten the government’s monopoly, propaganda is used to create a public narrative. If that still fails, then a complete ban is imposed on the media or its access to information is restricted, or fines are imposed to force media organizations to stop airing voices against the government’s wishes. Just as Israel has restricted the media in Palestine or the Turkish government has restricted Kurdish media and journalistic organizations in the regions, when the media is not free, the rest of the world will be unaware of the realities on the ground. In such situations, the role of the media remains limited in the face of state obstacles, which is also a violation of human rights and freedom of expression. However, if there is strength and support for media freedom at the global level, then media channels, journalistic organizations and institutions in stateless areas can work to a considerable extent to protect human rights.
Digital Tools & AI: A New Frontier
Today is the digital age and these digital platforms including AI are being used in various ways in ordinary life such as media, communication and communication etc. If we talk about stateless regions and nations, these technology and innovation platforms can create new opportunities especially for justice, for awareness and for building a good society.
Digital Tools
Social Media
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram etc. are common social media apps used today. It is very easy to raise awareness, consciousness and consciousness among stateless nations by using them. Moreover, where other media channels cannot reach, social media apps play an important role in providing information related to any event immediately and in a timely manner.
Online News Outlets
In the digital era, it has now become possible to access instant news and information online on mobile or any internet device. This method can be adopted as an alternative, especially in areas where there is a ban on the media. Similarly, podcasts and online shows that can be full of in-depth and analytical discussions, especially regional issues or inter-provincial or national or international topics, are a good platform for in-depth discussion and analysis on every topic. So these things can play a very good role in stateless areas.
AI applications
Similarly, artificial intelligence has made access to the world very easy and unique. With the help of AI, one can achieve numerous things and benefits, especially in areas where the state does not exist or where media and expression are limited. AI is performing various important tasks such as
Language Preservation
Content Generation
Data Analysis
Similarly, this new technology has also provided immediate benefits such as
Increased Reach
Improved efficiency
Enhanced Engagement
But at the same time, there are also some problems and challenges such as
Digital Divide
Misinformation and Disinformation
Ethical Considerations
Strategies for More Effective Media Engagement
There is a need to further strengthen the role and working methods of the media in stateless nations. We have discussed many things above, such as using multimedia, videos, podcasts, social media, and introducing more robust objectives there, as seen in Central Asia. Along with this, local people should be convinced and brought together so that they can play a good role for the welfare of the population and people there. Similarly, policies should be formulated taking into account the local culture and political sensitivities so that the feelings of the local people are not hurt, but rather the commitment is maintained. Similarly, AI and social media are a good way that can easily break traditional barriers and easily present the voice and identity of the stateless community to the world.
Diversified storytelling
Inclusive reporting
Context-aware media strategies
Digital empowerment
Conclusion
In nations where the state does not exist or where there are still obstacles in establishing a regular state system or where there is a state but only in name, then there is a need to awaken an awareness and atmosphere in such areas or countries and nations, and the role of the media is very important for this most important duty. In this regard, we talked about the Kurds, Palestinians, Rohingya and other nations where there is a human tragedy and the role of the media is also limited there. The reasons for this were also openly discussed as to why such countries and nations are in this situation or what kind of restrictions are there on the media or how the powerful use the media for their own purposes to bury or assimilate the civilization and ideas of the weak. In such a situation, the free, positive, impartial and lively role of the media is very important, but the obstacles in the way of the media cannot be ignored, such as the regional situation, ground realities, government censorship, restrictions and affiliations, especially for stateless people. The media in nations also faces some other problems in its functioning, such as limited awareness among the public, fake news, state restrictions, and propaganda. However, despite all this, there are some suggestions to further improve and strengthen the role of the media, which, in my opinion, are very important.There is a need to further strengthen the role and working methods of the media in stateless nations. We have discussed many things above, such as using multimedia, videos, podcasts, social media, and introducing more robust objectives there, as seen in Central Asia. Along with this, local people should be convinced and brought together so that they can play a good role for the welfare of the population and people there. Similarly, policies should be formulated taking into account the local culture and political sensitivities so that the feelings of the local people are not hurt, but rather the commitment is maintained. Similarly, AI and social media are a good way that can easily break traditional barriers and easily present the voice and identity of the stateless community.Today is the digital age and these digital platforms including AI are being used in various ways in ordinary life such as media, communication and communication etc. If we talk about stateless regions and nations, these technology and innovation platforms can create new opportunities especially for justice, for awareness and for building a good society.
Digital Tools
Social Media
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram etc. are common social media apps used today. It is very easy to raise awareness, consciousness and consciousness among stateless nations by using them. Moreover, where other media channels cannot reach, social media apps play an important role in providing information related to any event immediately and in a timely manner.
In the digital era, it has now become possible to access instant news and information online on mobile or any internet device. This method can be adopted as an alternative, especially in areas where there is a ban on the media. Similarly, podcasts and online shows that can be full of in-depth and analytical discussions, especially regional issues or inter-provincial or national or international topics, are a good platform for in-depth discussion and analysis on every topic. So these things can play a very good role in stateless areas.Similarly, artificial intelligence has made access to the world very easy and unique. With the help of AI, one can achieve numerous things and benefits, especially in areas where the state does not exist or where media and expression are limited.
References
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_imperialism?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Media imperialism”
[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_hegemony?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Media hegemony”
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_effect?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Al Jazeera effect”
[4]: https://www.wired.com/1997/12/scans-television-nation?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Scans: Television Nation”
[5]: https://www.unhcr.org/centralasia/en/60355-media-outlets-explore-statelessness-and-the-impact-on-central-asian-communities.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Media outlets explore statelessness and the impact on Central Asian communities – UNHCR Central Asia”
[6]: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41018-021-00108-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Media influence on humanitarian interventions: analysis of the Rohingya refugee crisis and international media coverage | Journal of International Humanitarian Action”
[7]: https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/cjcs.8.2.207_1?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mapping media accountability in stateless nations: The case of Catalonia | Intellect”
[8]: https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/cjcs.11.1.59_1?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mapping media accountability in a stateless nation: The case of the Basque Country | Intellect”
[9]: https://lawslearned.com/public-awareness-campaigns-on-statelessness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Enhancing Public Awareness Campaigns on Statelessness Issues – Laws Learned”
[10]: https://aicompetence.org/ai-platforms-could-give-voice-to-stateless-nations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “AI Platforms Could Give Voice To Stateless Nations”
