nuclear-news

Japan’s government curtails press freedom about Fukushima nuclear situation

Nuclear power and press freedom, Japan Times, FEB 10, 2013 Japan fell
from 22nd place to 53rd in the rankings of press freedom last year,
according to the nonprofit organization Reporters Without Borders.
Japan’s plummet was attributed to a single factor — the lack of access
to information related to the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s
Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

In the past, Japan could be relatively proud of its reputation for
press freedom compared with that of most countries. But being ranked
lower lately than countries such as El Salvador or Haiti is an
embarrassing reminder that press freedom can quickly erode under
pressure from the government and corporations.

In reporting on the serious disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear
power plant, many reporters have met with restricted access, lack of
transparency and even lawsuits.

Though investigation reports were issued by the government, the Diet
and a private-sector committee as well as by Tepco, a genuine account
of the crisis has yet to be completed. So far, no one has been charged
with crimes related to the nuclear power plant disaster. However,
better access to Tepco’s records, as well as to what was known by
affiliated companies and the government, is the first step to
determine possible negligence, collusion or criminal responsibility.

For that process to be fair and thorough, independent verification,
one of the most important duties of a free press, is essential. The
public deserves to know what the records of Tepco and of the
government might reveal.

Tepco has consistently barred access to documents and to people. When
freelance and independent reporters were finally allowed into the
plant, Tepco demanded final say over their video and images. That does
not constitute press freedom.

An investigative reporter was sued by one of Tepco’s subsidiaries to
keep his reporting quiet. The corporation, which was one of Tepco’s
primary affiliates, apparently sought to silence the reporter.
Freelance journalists and magazines were sued after publishing
articles on the alleged collusion among politicians, nuclear plant
construction companies and Tepco.

It must be concluded that the intent of taking reporters and
publications to court is to cover up the truth.Another issue with
regard to press freedom in general is that freelance journalists are
still not allowed full access to all official press club briefings.
This antiquated kisha (reporters’) club system has started to allow
registered freelance journalists to attend Friday news conferences
given by the chief Cabinet secretary at the prime minister’s official
residence. But this is still insufficient.

All journalists should have access to official information directly.
Journalists covering protests against nuclear power should also be
free from any restrictions.

The reporting on how companies, ministries and agencies and the
government handled the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant stands
as a test case for Japan’s commitment to press freedom. The most
serious crisis in modern Japan deserves increased reporting, not
decreased transparency.

People deserve to know the facts from multiple sources. Open access to
crucial information is the only real test of press freedom. That is
especially true when the issue is of such vital, ongoing importance.
The right of the public to hear from multiple sources means that
independent reporting must continue without intimidation, limitation
or smoke screens. Determining the causes of the disaster is a
difficult, demanding process even with sufficient access. Much still
remains unknown.

Other ensuing problems, such as high levels of radiation in the soil
or the question of where waste from Fukushima will be handled also
deserve clear, full reporting. The Nuclear Regulation Authority should
not shroud its examination of the safety of nuclear power plants in
secrecy…..  Japan’s press suffers from other problems.
Noncooperation and the covering up of records are another way of
reducing press freedom and keeping the truth from the public.

The latest low ranking of Japan is particularly disturbing because the
issues surrounding the Fukushima No. 1 plant are just as important
outside of Japan as inside Japan. Reporting exactly what happened and
why is an issue that extends to every country with nuclear power
plants…..  Japan’s press suffers from other problems. Noncooperation
and the covering up of records are another way of reducing press
freedom and keeping the truth from the public.

The latest low ranking of Japan is particularly disturbing because the
issues surrounding the Fukushima No. 1 plant are just as important
outside of Japan as inside Japan. Reporting exactly what happened and
why is an issue that extends to every country with nuclear power
plants.

February 11, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | civil liberties, Japan, media