NEW YEAR GIFTS: A THANK YOU OR A BRIBE?
My friend Khun Napacha works in PR. She's written an excellent post about the traditional of New Year visits to media companies. She says: "While it can be considered as a bribe in other counties, this practice has become a necessity to keep the local media in our friend circles."
So far this year I've had a couple of visits from companies bearing gifts by way of a 'thank you' for our support during the past year. I've also had a number of gifts and greetings arrive via post and messengers. The gifts have so far ranged from a lavish book from one property company, to a selection of biscuits and cakes from one hotel.
At my previous magazine we were not allowed to accept gifts of any kind if they were above US$25 in value. We were also not allowed to take part in press trips organised and paid for by companies. If a trip was required then the magazine had to pay for it. Whilst this practise did reinforce high ethical standards of journalism, it did take a while to be understood and not to be considered rude. And that's because it's such a common thing in Thailand.
So the big question has to be, do gifts at New Year have any impact on editorial coverage? The answer from me is a big 'no' because I will always talk to people relevant to the story I am working on at any given time. And just because a company has presented a New Year gift, it will not stop me from asking tough questions if and when required.
6 comments:
As I used to be a journalist too, those gifts have no impact on my writing. To me, it is a tradition(?) in regard to relationship. It would be easier if we can find a way to match our pitch to those journalist looking for something similar. Oh, I have another story to blog now.
Andrew, this is one of the most difficult challenges ethical journalists face in Thailand. The line between 'bribery' and 'friendship' can be very blurry.
In your situation there may be occasion where asking tough questions will be frowned upon and it will surprise people - in my experience this is particularly likely to happen in your new field of business. I always remember telling myself people who behaved like this had more to hide so found it more challenging to get the info they wanted kept hidden.
Whether you will be permitted to print it or not is a different matter - especially if they are advertisers.
However mature and savvy businesses realise not everything is perfect and should be big enough to be able to deal with tricky questions.
Good luck!
@PR Rhapsody - You're right about it being a tradition. I've also been on the 'giving' side so I can totally understand the importance it has in Thai society.
@Gareth - The 'tough questions' is more of a problem when content is driven or dictated by advertising, as you say. It happen when I was working in the UK. A prominent real estate firm was in court charged with something quite serious. All media covered it except my newspaper because they were big advertisers. In the end it just made the newspaper look stupid. Everyone could see what was happening.
That said, I think there is a big difference between that, and between giving cakes or books, or in my case this morning a canvas carrier bag! Is anyone really going to be influenced by things like this?
We do the same thing (giving New Year baskets from clients to the media). At first I thought, like you, that it was a bit like bribery, but the gifts are so small that is more just an excuse to go and say hello and make sure that publication hasn't forgotten about your client.
My understanding is that canvas carrier bags are set to be THE item in Vogue this year. I'd cherish it - it may even be worth something in the future!!
And if you feel uncomfortable accepting cakes the staff at Director would be happy to help you rid yourself of any dilemma you have in this area. :)
Hi KC - thanks for your comments. That's exactly right. Outside the media it happens a lot as well. A reminder, and an excuse to go visit too.
Gareth - Cakes are well taken care of, but thanks for your offer. :-) Likewise the bottle of Johnny Walker that formed part of a gift basket from our printer before Christmas. I ended up with the crisps. :-)
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