Animal rights activist Jenny Rolness from the organization Dyrenes Rett thinks there is too much negative focus on seagulls in the media. – It is characterized by sensational reports where the seagulls are constantly portrayed very negatively, she says to news. She believes it is difficult to say whether the media reflects people’s general perception of seagulls. She nevertheless points out that although many people are happy with seagulls and think they are beautiful birds, there are people who hate seagulls. – That is why it is so important that the media is aware of its power of influence, and does not fuel such hatred which in the worst case can lead to people committing offenses against seagulls, which is already a big problem, says Rolness. She points out that five out of seven gull species that breed in Norway, apart from Svalbard and Jan Mayen, are red-listed, according to the Artsdata Bank. Rollnes believes that creating such “anger” against species that are already having a hard time and are in danger of dying out in the long term, will be an additional burden for these species. She believes they need more tolerance to be able to continue to exist together with humans. CONTROVERSIAL: Norwegian seagulls constantly occupy the media image with their many inventions. Some like the birds, while others have little left for them. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news – Animals are particularly vulnerable as they cannot defend themselves. Press ethics should include all groups, she believes. – This applies not least to the groups that cannot defend themselves. With comment fields that are full of hatred and suggestions about offenses against the seagulls, it shows that the media is inviting something that is not good, Rolness believes. Editor thinks it’s inside – In our news coverage, I think we’ve been quite objective. We have discussed how people in central Tromsø perceive the seagull challenge, and have tried to point out various measures where politicians have spoken, says Nordlys editor Helge Nitteberg. Nitteberg points out that this is something that is frequently discussed among residents, partly because of the many grimy buildings in the city. Nordlys editor Helge Nitteberg. Photo: Ole Åsheim / Nordlys Rolness, for his part, believes that the media gives a distorted picture of the seagulls’ natural behaviour. Newspaper Nordlys uses words such as “torment spirit” in a news headline about the birds. There, Nitteberg takes some self-criticism. – If we have used it, it can certainly be discussed. But that the situation in Tromsø has escalated and that it is a problem, also for the seagulls, is beyond doubt, he says. Nitteberg says that “terror” is probably an inappropriate term for animals that attack people. – It is not terror, admits Nitteberg. At the same time, one must distinguish between news reports and debate posts, he believes. – It is the case that we have a fairly large ceiling for comment articles from our own employees. I mean it was within the scope of publishing that comment. news has also been in contact with Nordlys commentator Skjalg Fjellheim. He does not want to comment on the criticism from Rolness. Problems with seagulls? Preventive measures: Facilitate nesting elsewhere by building gull platforms that are set up in suitable places. Set up disturbing spikes on typical perches, on cornices and eaves where the birds often sit to observe and follow along. Stretch wires up on the roof at 30 cm intervals and 30 cm up from the ceiling before nesting, but do not use netting that the birds can get stuck in. Vary with different types of scarecrows before nesting. These measures must take place well before the breeding season in the spring. Once the seagulls have started building nests, leave them alone. SOURCE: Norwegian Environment Agency – Must be able to say what Nitteberg is supported by media critic Gunnar Bodahl-Johansen. He says people must have a right to make critical statements about animals in the same way as against, for example, politicians. Bodahl-Johansen is a former journalist and editor. He has also been employed at the Department of Journalism (IJ). – If you believe that seagulls are a problem, then you must be allowed to believe that. Just as one can have critical statements about the wolf. – NOT UNETHICAL: Media critic Gunnar Bodahl-Johansen. Photo: Department of Journalism Rolness was out on Wednesday with a column in Nettavisen in which she advocates that the Be careful poster should be expanded to also specifically apply to mentions of animals. The media critic does not think that is necessary. He refers to point 4.1. in the poster, which reads “Place emphasis on objectivity and thoughtfulness in content and presentation.”. Bodahl-Johansen believes that matters concerning, for example, seagulls fall under this. – There can also be issues about dog breeds that are discussed, many may think that they are problematic for people due to violent traits. You have to be able to do that, he concludes.
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Animal rights activists believe the media is fueling hatred of seagulls – expert believes it’s inside – news Troms and Finnmark
