In the inauguration of the "Bugle Society," held on August 26, President Chen Shui-bian criticized the decadence in Taiwan's media, saying that following the political democratization and social liberalization, its professionalism has been rather deteriorated than elevated.
Formed by a group of journalists, the Bugle Society aims to correct the current media disorder in Taiwan. "We must set up a new role model for Taiwan's media workers by insisting on higher work ethics and taking up greater social responsibility," he said when addressing the society members, wishing them to bring hope to Taiwan's media.
"Although the media, as the fourth estate, enjoys more power and protection than ordinary men, it should by no means act arbitrarily without confines," he said, adding that freedoms of speech and of the media do not include slandering and libeling.
Appealing to the media to observe autonomy instead of heteronomy as the golden rule, the president emphasized again the importance of insistence on journalistic professionalism and work ethics.
"Like the gag on free speech practiced by the previous authoritarian regime, the abuse of media power in our era of democracy is the last thing we would like to see," he said in conclusion.