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December 11, 2025 · 5:21 pm

RIP Bob Howarth: journalist, mentor and legend

By MARK PEARSON

Australia and the Asia-Pacific region lost an important figure last month – journalist, trainer and media freedom advocate Bob Howarth.

Over his 81 years Bob changed countless lives for the better, firstly through his newspaper journalism and production skills, and then via his editorship, management, training, mentorship, philanthropy and service as an RSF (Reporters Without Borders) correspondent.

I first met Bob in the early 1990s when my students were reporting under his editorship for the PANPA Chronicles – a conference newspaper produced for the Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association.

Bob was a keen scuba diver at that stage, and I remember him capturing the front page photograph 10m underwater. His caring and encouraging approach made him an ideal trainer of newspaper cadets and personnel and tutor of my university students after his retirement. He also ran courses and projects for Australian Business Volunteers in Indonesia, Timor Leste and PNG.

I’ll always remember his wry smile and quiet manner of speech as he related anecdotes from his adventurous career – from his recommissioning of old computer terminals and a printing press to assist the rebirth of the Timor Post through to his pistol-wielding adventures as managing director of the Post-Courier in Port Moresby.

I interviewed Bob for this blog back in 2014, where he spoke about media freedom issues in Timor Leste and the broader Pacific.

Bob and I would catch up for coffee occasionally, and it was in response to my SMS invitation for a cuppa that his beloved partner Di let me know of his passing that morning.

While we were good mates, others knew Bob much better than me, and there have been several testimonials written about him over recent weeks.

For an insight into his philanthropy and his fondness for Timor-Leste, which he visited more than 30 times, I recommend the moving tribute by his protege Mouzinho Lopes de Araujo, republished by esteemed colleague David Robie on his Cafe Pacific site, here.

For Bob’s own account of his role in setting up the Timor Post, see his piece from 2019 in the Asia Pacific Report here.

And for an account of Bob’s training prowess and influence on Pacific journalism, see the memorial by Robert Luke Iroga, editor and publisher of Solomon Business Magazine, also published in the Asia Pacific Report, here.

Vale Bob Howarth. You made a huge difference.

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Disclaimer: While I write about media law and ethics, nothing here should be construed as legal advice. I am an academic, not a lawyer. My only advice is that you consult a lawyer before taking any legal risks.

© Mark Pearson 2025 – the moral right of the author has been asserted.

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Filed under censorship, confidentiality, free expression, global journalism, journalism, journalism education, libel, media ethics, Media freedom, media law, mindful journalism, Pacific journalism, Pacific Journalism Review, Press freedom, privacy, Whistleblowing

Tagged as bob-howarth, communication-law-and-ethics, Communicator's Guide to Media Law and Ethics, confidentiality, David Robie, ethics, free expression, investigative journalism, journalism, journalism education, mark pearson, media, media law, news, newspapers, pacific-media, politics, professional values, Reporters Without Borders, social media, Timor Leste

August 17, 2024 · 10:31 am

Pacific Media Conference panel session evaluates global research journal model and defends regional niche titles

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

A panel session discussing the merits and perils of academic journal publishing featured in the Pacific Media Conference at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji on July 4-6.

This article republished with permission from Pacific Media Watch reviews the panel and its key points of discussion.

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Pacific media academics slam global research journal model, defend regional niche titles

By Pacific Media Watch – July 15, 2024

Pacific Media Watch

Pacific media academics have criticised the economics of global research journal publication models and defended independent publications such as Pacific Journalism Review carving out niche markets.

"Publish of perish?" — “Publish of perish?” A Pacific Journalism review perspective and new journal from APMN. Image: Screenshot APR

Speaking in a panel titled “Publish or Perish” at the recent Pacific International Media 2024 conference in Suva, Fiji, the academics warned that changes in the international research publishing arena were not necessarily an improvement.

In fact, in some cases the changes threatened independent journals and opened the door to “paper mills, AI and sham publications”.

READ MORE: Pacific Journalism Review at 30 – a strong media legacy

The panel was moderated by adjunct professor in governance Vijay Naidu of The University of the South Pacific and featured a former editor of the Australian Journalism Review, Professor Mark Pearson of Griffith University; founding Pacific Journalism Review editor professor David Robie, and current editor and former PNG newspaper editor and journalism educator Dr Philip Cass.

Introducing the speakers, Professor Naidu said the “Publish or Perish” topic was a pivotal panel and he congratulated conference chair Associate Professor Shailendra Singh, a PJR editorial board member, for the success of the three-day event.

“This panel for media scholars focuses on the ‘heart of the matter’ relating to journalism and the media,” Dr Naidu said.

Researching and writing about the media were critical for both scholars and media practitioners as pertinent topics on current and future development of journalism and the media were covered.

Publishing outlets crucial
Outlets for publishing research findings were crucial for media academics.

Professor Pearson spoke about five key points: the impact of rankings; open access and vanity publishing; “paper mills” and sham journals; the demise of small independent journals; and academic versus journalism outputs.

The "Publish or Perish" panel — The “Publish or Perish” panel . . . convenor Professor Vijay Naidu (from left), Professor Mark Pearson, Dr Philip Cass and Professor David Robie. Taking photos are Associate Professor Shailendra Singh and PJR designer Del Abcede. Image: APMN

Discussing global journal rankings, Dr Pearson said the limited level of interest in Pacific issues internationally reduced potential for “prestigious journal” acceptance of papers.

“Journalism researchers ought to avoiding having too many eggs in one basket – and to be aware of the impact of rankings and events on your CV. Decide whether to play the game or not?”

Speaking about open access as a game changer in academic publishing, he said that the flipside was that open access had paved the way for a completely new way to earn a profit.

However, it had meant that journals would not necessarily have any financial incentives to ensure appropriate peer review or quality control — “as long as they can make the researchers pay”.

He cited research by Norwegian academic Martin Hagve who argued in Tidsskriftet that most academic publishers produce content paid for by research funds, including salaries and the expenses of researching.

Editors work for ‘symbolic pay’
“My own experience is that most academic editors work for merely symbolic pay and that quality control and fact-checking are done through peer review, which is unpaid voluntary work,” Hagve wrote.

In 2023, the annual number of papers retracted by research journals had topped 10,000 for the first time, said Dr Pearson. Most analysts believed that the figure was only the tip of an iceberg of scientific fraud.

Dr Pearson lamented the demise of many small independent journals and others becoming vulnerable in the face of the global academic publishing model, such as Pacific Journalism Review that celebrated 30 years of publication at this conference.

PJR editor Dr Philip Cass reaffirmed that it was “incredibly important” to have such a journal because of its “unique position covering the region”.

He also argued strongly for the continuation of print journals at a time when many academic publications are retreating to online only editions.

Professor Robie gave an overview of Pacific Journalism Review and how it had evolved through several design and content styles from when it was first published at the University of Papua New Guinea in 1994.

Del Abcede had played a key role in the design in recent years.

Innovative ‘journalism as research’
Dr Robie spoke about the innovative PJR “journalism as research” model resisted by many academic faculties and described how the journal’s Frontline section, pioneered by Professor Wendy Bacon, had set a benchmark for investigative journalism being recognised by the academe.

He also touched briefly on the Asia Pacific Media Network’s new publishing strategy which includes a new title, Pacific Media, publishing on AUT’s Tuwhera indigenous research platform. Although this publication will feature the usual journal attributes, it will focus more on community outcomes.

Pacific Journalism Review has been featured by Australian National University’s Devpolicy Blog.

Blood Money APMN 680wide — “Blood Money” . . . featuring one of the series of Frontline investigative journalism-as-research artIcles about West Papua published by Pacific Journalism Review. Image: PJR screenshot APR

© Mark Pearson 2024 – the moral right of the author has been asserted.

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Tagged as communication-law-and-ethics, Communicator's Guide to Media Law and Ethics, confidentiality, David Robie, ethics, free expression, investigative journalism, journalism, journalism education, mark pearson, media, media law, news, professional values, social media

July 19, 2024 · 4:20 pm

US election: 5 ways to manage your news consumption to reduce anxiety

As I started to disappear into the vortex of 24/7 media coverage of the US election, I recalled the news anxiety I experienced in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted me to write an article for The Conversation titled “Coronavirus: 5 ways to manage your news consumption in times of crisis“.

I republish an edited version here for readers …

Following events in the US while habitually checking the news on devices – and allowing 24/7 news channels to play non-stop in the background – might erode your productivity and increase stress and anxiety.

A foundational element of media literacy in the digital era is striking an appropriate balance between news consumption and other activities. Even before COVID-19, Australian research demonstrated news avoidance had risen among news consumers from 57% in 2017 to 62% in 2019, driven by a sense of news fatigue.

Self-help expert Rolf Dobelli implores us to stop reading the news. While he advocates going cold turkey and abandoning all packaged news consumption, Dobelli makes exceptions for long-form journalism and documentaries.

So too does philosopher Alain de Botton in The News – A User’s Manual, while proposing more positive news and journalism’s examination of life’s deeper issues, emotions and aesthetics.

In journalism education there has been a move towards “peace journalism”, “mindful journalism”, “constructive journalism” and “solutions journalism”, where the news should not merely report what is wrong but suggest ways to fix it.

Of course, it would be a mistake to abstain from all news of an election in the world’s leading democracy given its unpredictable economic and social consequences.

Often it is best to navigate a middle path, so here are five suggestions on how you can stay in the loop while still maintaining your mental health.

1. Switch off

Avoid the 24/7 news channels and feeds unless it is your business to do so, or unless the information is likely to impact you directly.

Try to develop a routine of checking in on the main headlines once, twice or three times a day so you stay informed about the most important events without being sucked by click bait and news of incremental changes.

2. Dive deep

Look for long-form journalism and in-depth commentary on the topics that most interest you. Articles by experts (Editor’s note: like those in The Conversation!) include the most important facts you need to know, and are likely to have a constructive angle presenting incisive analysis and a pathway to a solution or best practice.

Spend your time engaging with well-researched and accurate stories.
Eugene Zhyvchik/Unsplash

On radio and television, look for big picture current affairs programs like the ABC’s AM and 7.30 – or on a lighter and more positive note Ten’s The Project – so you don’t have to be assaulted by a disturbing litany of petrol station hold-ups, motorway chases and celebrity gossip in the packaged morning and evening news.

3. Connect

Use social media wisely – for communicating with family and friends. But avoid the suggested and sponsored news feeds with dubious and unfiltered information (often shared as spam by social media illiterates).

Keep your social media commentary civil, empathetic and supportive – mindful of everyone’s mental health during a crisis.

4. Interrogate

Ask the key question: “What is the best source of the information I absolutely need to know?”

Go to primary sources where possible. Subscribe to official and authoritative information feeds.

5. Be mindful

Bear in mind the well being of any children in your household with the timing and selection of your hard/live news consumption. International research has shown more constructive news stories have fewer negative mental health impacts on children, particularly when combined with the opportunity to discuss the contents with their peers.

It’s important to think about where your children get their news, too.
Shutterstock.com

Finally, you might also aim to build your own media literacy – by pausing to reflect carefully upon what news you really need in your family’s life. This might vary markedly according to your work, interests and passions.

For many of us it will mean a much more critical diet of what we call “traditional hard news” – allowing us the time to read and view material that better contributes to the quality of our own lives and to our varied roles as informed citizens in a democracy.

Mark Pearson, Professor of Journalism and Social Media, Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Griffith University

This article is an adaptation of an article in The Conversation and reproduced under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Tagged as anxiety, Biden, digital-detox, health, media literacy, mental health, news, social media, Trump, US politics

June 21, 2024 · 1:45 pm

Pacific Media Conference to celebrate 30th birthday of Pacific Journalism Review

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

Journalists, publishers, academics, diplomats and NGO representatives from throughout the Asia-Pacific region will gather for the Pacific Media Conference at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji on July 4-6.

A notable part of the conference will be the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the journal Pacific Journalism Review – founded by the energetic pioneer of journalism studies in the Pacific, Professor David Robie, who was recently honoured in the NZ King’s Birthday Honours list as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. I have been on the editorial board of PJR for two of its three decades.

As well as delivering a keynote address titled “Frontline Media Faultlines: How Critical Journalism can Survive Against the Odds”, Dr Robie will join me and the current editor of PJR, Dr Philip Cass on a panel examining the challenges faced by journalism journals in the Global South/Asia Pacific.

In addition, I will be delivering a conference paper titled “Intersections between media law and ethics – a new pedagogy and curriculum”.

Media law and ethics have often been taught as separate courses in the journalism and communication curriculum or have been structured as two distinct halves of a hybrid course.

My paper explains an integrated approach expounded in my new textbook, The Communicator’s Guide to Media Law and Ethics, where each key media law topic is introduced via a thorough exploration of its moral, ethical, religious, philosophical and human rights underpinnings.

The argument is exemplified via an approach to the ethical and legal topic of confidentiality, central to the relationship between journalists and their sources.

After defining the term and distinguishing it from the related topic of privacy, the paper explains the approach in the textbook and curriculum which traces the religious and philosophical origins of confidentiality sourced to Hippocrates (460-370BC), via confidentiality in the priesthood (from Saint Aphrahat to the modern Catholic Code of Canon Law), and through the writings of Kant, Bentham, Stuart Mill, Sidgwick and Rawls until we reach the modern philosopher Sissela Bok’s examination of investigative journalism and claims of a public’s ‘right to know’.

This leads naturally into an examination of the handling of confidentiality in both public relations and journalism ethical codes internationally and their distinctive approaches, opening the way to the examination of law, cases and examples internationally in confidentiality and disclosure and, ultimately, to a closer examination in the author’s own jurisdiction of Australia.

Specific laws covered include breach of confidence, disobedience contempt, shield laws, whistleblower laws and freedom of information laws – with the latter having a strong foundation in international human rights instruments.

The approach gives ethical studies a practical legal dimension, while enriching students’ legal knowledge with a backbone of its philosophical, religious and human rights origins.

Details about the conference can be found on its USP website.

© Mark Pearson 2024 – the moral right of the author has been asserted.

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May 11, 2023 · 3:50 pm

Former ombudsman offers insights into defamation #MLGriff

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

A former ombudsman who sued a major newspaper for defamation offers his insights into the experience in Episode #009 of our occasional Griffith University SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream.

Griffith University Media Law students Emily Soccol and Anna Swann interview Professor John McMillan AO about his successful defamation action against the Canberra Times in 2016.

Mr McMillan has held positions of Commonwealth Ombudsman, Integrity Commissioner for the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, Australian Information Commissioner, NSW Ombudsman and a member of the Australian Copyright Tribunal.

He is also a legal consultant and an Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University. Drawing on his expertise over a five decade career, Professor McMillan offers his perspective on defamation laws and the legal risks associated with publishing damaging material.

The case was settled after mediation. The court judgment on the imputations can be viewed at https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/act/ACTSC/2016/286.html. [McMillan v The Federal Capital Press of Australia Pty Ltd [2016] ACTSC 286 (22 September 2016) ]

[Listen here: 14:26 min].

If you are a communication professional wanting to study in this area, please consider enrolling in our online courses Social Media Law and Risk Management (postgraduate, fully online) or Media Law (undergraduate, available online or on campus).

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Filed under blogging, communication, contempt of court, defamation, Internet, journalism, journalism education, libel, media law, media literacy, online education, open justice, podcast, public relations, reflective practice, risk, risk management, social media, social media law, strategic communication, sub judice, suppression, Whistleblowing

Tagged as AJ Brown, Australian media, communication education, communication law, confidential sources, defamation, free expression, freedom to communicate, international law, journalism, journalism education, Journalist's guide to media law, law, mark pearson, media, media law, podcast, privacy, social media, social media law, social media law podcast, social media risk, social media risk and law, Transparency International, whistleblowers

June 6, 2022 · 12:06 pm

Retired magistrate offers advice to court reporters #MLGriff

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

Decades of experience as a magistrate and lawyer inform the advice offered to court reporters in Episode #008 of our occasional Griffith University SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream.

Retired magistrate Antoine Bloemen. Photo: Anne Bloemen.

Griffith University Media Law student Elizabeth Heseltine interviews retired Western Australian magistrate Antoine Bloemen about the traps faced by novice court reporters, with some fascinating examples.

He draws upon his 40 years of expertise as a legal professional to share his insights into courtroom etiquette and the potential legal ramifications of a poorly researched and written article [Listen here: 14:26 min].

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May 26, 2022 · 10:52 am

Podcast offers rare inside view of FOI process

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

Episode #007 of our occasional Griffith University SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream – looks at Freedom of Information processes from a different perspective – that of a lawyer managing the Commonwealth Government’s FOI approvals and exemptions.

Griffith University Media Law student Mia Durnan interviews Senior Lawyer Rodney Durnan about Freedom of Information laws (FOI); covering basic topics like ‘what is FOI?’, the process of an application, some of the exemptions that can apply and how the FOI laws interact with privacy laws from a practical perspective.

Mr Durnan is part of In-House Counsel for a large Federal Government agency.

With more than 15 years of experience, he and his team specialise in administrative law which includes Freedom of Information and Privacy. [15:25 min] Find Mia’s interview here.

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March 8, 2022 · 2:21 pm

Our SMALL podcast guest: Whistleblower expert Professor AJ Brown

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

In episode #006 of our occasional SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream – I speak with academic whistleblowing expert Professor A J Brown.

Professor Brown is leader of the Centre for Governance and Public Policy’s public integrity and anti-corruption research program in Griffith University’s School of Government and International Relations.

He is on the global board of the world anti-corruption organisation Transparency International and a leading expert on public interest whistleblowing. He talks about the legal framework for whistleblowers and the implications for journalists and their confidential sources. Find our interview here [21:49min].

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February 23, 2022 · 12:52 pm

Latest SMALL podcast gets Amy Remeikis’ take on social media law

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

Episode #005 of our occasional SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream – features Guardian Australia political reporter Amy Remeikis talking media law with tutor Susan Grantham.

From court and police rounds, to reporting on Australian federal politicians, Amy (pictured below) discusses how she navigates legal risks while reporting in a wired world.

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Tagged as ABC, Amy Remeikis, Australian media, communication education, communication law, defamation, Dylan Voller, free expression, freedom to communicate, Guardian Australia, international law, journalism, journalism education, Journalist's guide to media law, law, mark pearson, media, media law, podcast, privacy, risk management, social media, social media law, social media law podcast, social media risk, social media risk and law, susan grantham

December 16, 2021 · 11:47 am

Latest SMALL podcast looks at Israel Folau matter

By MARK PEARSON Follow @Journlaw

Episode #004 of our occasional SMALL podcast – Social Media and Law Livestream – is now available for listening.

This latest episode [15:00 mins] – published on The Source News – is hosted by Griffith University Media Law student Brandon McMahon.

Brandon talks with Attwood Marshall lawyer Laura Dolan about the discrimination, religious freedom, unfair dismissal and contract dimensions of the case involving former Test rugby union player Israel Folau and his social media posts. [SMALL #004].

Enjoy!

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