Role of media in society

The Australian Baha’i Community appreciates that the media, in all its forms, is a powerful force that shapes public perception, social discourse and how society comes to understand itself.

Inspired by a vision for a more peaceful, just and harmonious society, we seek to advance thought about the media’s role in strengthening our social ties and developing its capacity to help inform and educate, overcome misconceptions and prejudice, serve social justice in response to oppression and contribute to social progress.

In His Writings, Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith, refers to the media as an “amazing and potent phenomenon” describing it as a “mirror endowed with hearing, sight and speech.” He urged journalists to “inquire into situations as much as possible and ascertain the facts, then set them down in writing.”

Contributing to the national conversation

Given that journalism is a public good and guided the principles of the Baha’i Faith, we seek to engage with individuals, communities and social institutions in a spirit of cooperation and reciprocity to advance the national conversation on the role of the media in our society.

Our current themes focus on the media’s role in strengthening social cohesion and inclusion, the ethics and values that guide quality journalism, and the impact of media content on individuals and communities.

In response to the Senate Inquiry into the state of media diversity, independence and reliability in Australia, the Australian Baha’i Community offered a submission. It can be read here.

Explainer Webinar

On 1 April 2021, the Australian Baha’i Community hosted an explainer webinar looking at the intersection of technology, communications and the media.

Drawing on the February 2021 Facebook news ban as a springboard for the deeper conversation on the role of the media in society, together with those at the forefront of experience, we explored:

  • What led to the news ban, including immediate implications and observations
  • The features of a fair and just media ecosystem that serves news producers and news consumers alike
  • Advice for Australians seeking to navigate news content and online technologies thoughtfully and conscientiously

‘Reimagining Media’ series

Alongside the Centre for Media Transition and First Draft, we have created a series of discussion spaces designed to facilitate dialogue and reflection for journalists and media practitioners. It is an opportunity to come together and reflect on what it means to ’reimagine’ the Australian media landscape towards constructive ends.

Some of our experiences were highlighted during a newsclip by BWNS which focused on journalism during the covid-19 pandemic.

To find out more or to connect with us, email external.affairs@bahai.org.au