Can journalism survive the attack on truth?
The question presupposes that there exists an attack on truth and casts doubt on whether truth will survive this attack on it.
Any discussion that touches journalism is bound to extol the qualities of objectivity, freedom from bias, absence of prejudice, and accuracy in faithful, factual presentation; Ideally, all these qualities should be grounded in sound ethical considerations. To these qualities, I would also add the importance of independence of thought and spirit.
These are elements at the root of trust, and the backbone of trust is credibility; credibility built by consistent adherence to excellent journalistic and ethical standards.
The journalist is not a mere purveyor of news; he holds sway over what news he chooses to disseminate, the emphasis he places on the various aspects, the priorities he gives to basic underlying standards of humanistic morality. News is not a forty-five (45) second reel with one hundred and eighty-three (183) characters, and not everyone is a journalist!
Ideally, he should also hold a particular appreciation and belief in various concepts, particularly the viewing of autonomy as underlying the dignity of all individuals, and the interaction of this individual autonomy in societal groupings, right up to the concept of the state; in this way, also appreciating the significance of political, civil, and human rights and duties.
In the sphere of journalism, truth ceases to be an intangible concept; it acquires concreteness. Its presence, at first instance, depends on the moral stamina of the journalist himself, on his ability to question and glean facts—the pursuit of truth always requires spunk.
Independence, keeping aloof from syndicates, and interest-loaded agendas, be they economic or political is also key. On the ground, this carries a tough price, making a living is everybody’s right and a priority for all.
Once factual truth is reached, discretion comes into play and with discretion, also balance, both in the choice of words and emphasis — These standards cannot be sidetracked, if respect for those at the receiving end is to be maintained at all times.
The transition from print, sound and vision to digital streaming and online media, with the access this has accorded to individuals at large, has to be viewed as a development that may be positively exploited.
The immediacy which has come to characterise the transmission of information results in immediate responses and reactions from audiences, who are taking on an active role. This denotes active participation.
The media, in general, has been variously referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy. In conjunction with other factors, the media continuously contributes to the evolution of concepts, attitudes to these concepts, and this includes democracy and its ramifications.
Democracy is being widened in scope, no longer primarily manifested in the will of the people as expressed, from time to time, in elections, and online media is providing a platform where proposals from the ruling hierarchy are subjected to the scrutiny of the people, not only on a daily basis, but within hours and minutes. If correctly operated, this will bring the populace nearer to the centres of power, creating a new space for the exercise of the ultimate sovereignty of the people.
But, of course, regulation is always necessary and is of paramount importance. Regulation is not only important within national borders, but also if order is to be maintained and upheld in international affairs. The fearless dedication of journalists who seek to expose the horrors perpetrated in war zones deserves international appreciation and support.
I believe humankind cannot afford to look away and remain silent if individual and group rights, the rights of peoples, are trampled upon, sometimes to the point of annihilation. Indifference, looking the other way, may result in threats to humankind as we know it, and as we aspire it to be – it may manifest itself in the erosion of basic values safeguarding humanity itself.
All those who, as journalists, have taken on the mission of informing, educating, and fostering the good qualities of humankind should themselves have the necessary formation and preparation to acquit themselves well in their mission of service.
In addition to this, they should be accorded all the assistance that their mission entails, not least the nurturing of a climate where journalistic standards are not merely appreciated but also protected.
If journalism is to survive the attack on the truth, all of society has to be committed to ensuring its victorious survival.
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