Large majorities of Americans believe too much political power is held by big businesses, political action committees, lobbyists and the news media. By contrast, nine in ten Americans believe small business and religious institutions have too little power and influence, according to a survey released March 12 by Harris Interactive. It is worth noting that the findings of the annual study are essentially the same as in previous years, despite the current economic crisis. Related resource: Harris Interactive press release.
Peace Through Commerce, a nine-week e-conference hosted by World Bank Institute, is now under way. You may participate in the online discussion by registering online. The international e-conference will cover nine themes over nine weeks, with a new theme beginning each Monday. Participants first watch a few short video presentations from international business and development experts, then write comments in response to the discussion questions posed by moderators and other participants. Each week’s presenters also participate in the online discussion to address direct questions and give input. Related resource: "Waging Peace Through Commerce," an Policy Innovations article from the Carnegie Council.
Public concerns about media ethics will be addressed by the Society of Professional Journalists in a series of "town hall" meetings during Ethics in Journalism Week (April 26 - May 2). The organization wants to "explain our ethics . . . and our desire to be accessible and sensitive to public opinion." Opinion surveys worldwide show that public trust of the news media is declining. The town hall meetings in four U.S. cities will invite public comments and questions. Meanwhile, a new study by Pew Research Center finds that fewer than half of Americans believe losing their local newspaper would hurt civic life in their community "a lot." Many daily newspapers are hard hit by the recession, and some are closing their doors. Related resource: Pew announcement of survey findings.
Video presentations and other materials are now avalable from the International Seminar on Business and Human Rights, a recent conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The program considered current challenges involving business and human rights. The videos are available in the original languages of the speakers; translations will be published in the coming weeks. A Summary Report and materials from workshops may be downloaded at no charge. Related resource: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Are public apologies sincere when celebrities, athletes or government officials are accused of wrongdoing, or are they usually the work of publicists trying to minimize damage? An article by the news service of the United Methodist Church examines this question with the help of several ethicists including Bishop Kenneth Carder, professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School, who says, “I fear that apologies have become techniques for diminishing the consequences of behaviors that are destructive and damaging.”
