A brief introduction to The AsiaN, a one of a kind Asian collaboration that is celebrating its 6th Year
In 2011, 30 journalists from across Asia got together to form The Asia Journalists Association (AJA)—an organisation based on the principles of inspiring Asia, empowering people and leading change—all through the basis of ethical reporting on issues plaguing the continent. Mr. Lee Sang Ki, the founding President, AJA, says, Ban Ki-Moon, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, wrote a congratulatory message to AJA when it was founded because of its uniqueness and the principles on which it was founded. “Mr. Ban believed that the organisation would stand with fair and balanced reporting, not depending on political factions or national interests.”
Some of the members of the Asian Journalist Association at an assembly meet in Seoul, South Korea
Almost two years after its conception, in July 2013, AJA rolled out the first edition of its monthly magazine, The AsiaN (Magazine N). Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, most of its initial correspondents were from Southeast Asia, China and South Korea, but over time, with the help of AJA members, the magazine has expanded its reach to the Middle East, as well as Central Asia. With 69 issues under its belt, which include a special issue and two bound volumes, AsiaN continues to persist despite financial constraints that have been affected print media across the world. “We believe that we will continue to strive until we abandon our own prejudices and focus on reporting the truth. What’s important is that we not abandon the basic ethics of journalism for survival,” says Mr. Sang-Ki, who also publishes the magazine.
Lee Sang-Ki, Founding President, AJA and Publisher, The AsiaN
Over the years, the AsiaN has also added other correspondents in the mix, including those from the United States and Russia. It is important to note that majority of the AsiaN staff and AJA members get no financial remuneration for their efforts and only do it for their commitment of reporting the truth. According to Mr.Sang-Ki, the survival of the magazine is important but it is equally important to maintain the values and work ethic of journalism. “We will move away from hostile, intransigent and negative views and maintain friendly, inclusive and positive views. Of course, the media’s basic mission, the sense of criticism, will be stronger but when we talk about AsiaN, we hope the magazine will be delivered even to the remotest locations—the military troops and the prison—to give them hope, information, emotion and insight.”
