'New Media' cover event for first time

THE opportunity granted to the bloggers and freelance photographers by the Information Department to cover the 25th National Day celebrations at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium was greeted with enthusiasm yesterday.

Around 400 bloggers and freelance photographers dubbed the "New Media" by the Information Department could be seen congregating as early as 6am at the 'E'sector set aside especially for them.

Men and women alike sporting hi-tech cameras and telescopic lenses which could be deemed equal to those used by professional media personnel, showed high enthusiasm due to the recognition given by a government agency, which according to them, is the first ever in the Sultanate.

Eally, who runs eally3482.blogspot.com, said that it is exciting that the bloggers were given the opportunity to cover the historic event and it might open doors for other events as well.

"We wish to cover more national events as being a photo-blogger, blogs which depict more photos than stories, we can capture events like this and be shown around the world via Internet," she said. She added that maybe they could also be offered media passes to certain national events, like His Majesty's birthday.

Another woman who uses the pseudonym of BPY in her blog, bpy07.blogspot.com, expressed her gratitude to the authorities for letting them cover this special event. "Special moments such as this is shared among the people throughout the country and we are happy that we are a part of it," she said.

Pg Azam, a freelance photographer, said that allowing them to cover the event and getting the recognition as part of the national media is a momentous leap for them.

However, not all share the enthusiasm of the "New Media" bloggers and photographers.

According to an official media representative who wishes to remain anonymous said that some of them did not follow protocols and hinder them which from doing their job. "They are everywhere, in front of us blocking our vision, at the sides of us pushing, and in places where they were not suppose to be at such as the field. Where are the Media Relations Officers (MROs) who are supposed to control the flow of these 'New Media's?" he asked adding that there is nothing wrong with allowing them the same rights as actual journalists but maybe the numbers of freelancers could be reduced to the same number of official journalists.

"There were too many of them at the same time. I know a few who are professionals in what they do but some are new and inexperienced," he said.

Another official media representative also admits that he was hindered slightly by the eager freelancers. "If we do not have good coverage, we could be out of jobs. They have nothing to lose. Maybe, instead of just a briefing, an actual course could be held to coach these eager youngsters on the terasul and adat and boundaries between journalism and freelance reporting, " he said.

He added that the enthusiasm shown by the freelancers if being tapped resourcefully, could be an added advantage in the field of reporting in the country. The Brunei Times