Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions 5.4. PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING Journalists are under no obligation to promote human rights. Their responsibility is to select and report on those issues that they decide are the most relevant and newsworthy for their audience. It is therefore the responsibility of NHRIs and other human rights organizations to understand the news values (see page 4) that guide news reporting and present their issues to the media accordingly. Nevertheless, many journalists have a strong personal and professional commitment to report on human rights and corruption issues. Some face intimidation and danger in undertaking investigations that uncover abuses, violations or illegality. Others go to great lengths to ensure that the stories of marginalized individuals and communities are heard. Fearless and professional reporting can be a catalyst for social change. It can hold the powerful to account. It can lead to changes in laws. It can transform public opinion and mobilize a community in support of an issue. It is important that such reporting be publicly acknowledged by NHRIs, both to highlight the positive contribution of the individual journalist and the media outlet that supported him or her and to encourage other journalists to consider how they might report on other pressing human rights in the country. Some NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region have established awards programmes to recognize excellence in media reporting on human rights issues. These events also provide an important opportunity for NHRIs to deepen their relationships with journalists and promote the vital work of the media to a broader audience. Since 1987, the Australian Human Rights Commission has held an annual Human Rights Medal and Awards programme to recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in the community. Among other categories, the programme includes Human Rights Awards for excellence in print journalism, radio journalism and television journalism, with an independent panel of media experts assessing the nominations and selecting a winner. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has held an annual Human Rights Awards since 2011 to honour outstanding individuals, groups, organizations and agencies for their significant contribution to promoting and protecting human rights in Malaysia. In 2013, the Commission added three new awards to recognize excellence in human rights reporting. Both Awards programmes recognize the important role of the media in uncovering human rights violations, bringing these issues to public attention and helping drive positive change. 74 | Chapter 5: Supporting journalists in their work