The very essence and the purpose of journalism lies in the term "credibility." This is the unspoken social contract between journalists and the public that is based on trust, truth, and responsibility. If credibility does not exist, then journalism collapses, and democracy loses its sentinel to the people. In the digital age, though, this cornerstone is under siege by the dynamics of speed, sensationalism, and systemic biases. It is thus important to understand the nature of credibility, the forces eroding it, and the ways to restore it.
Journalistic credibility is a mosaic of attributes-accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and transparency. It is a commitment to truth, rigorous pursuit of facts, and courage to challenge power without prejudice. Historically, newspapers and established broadcasters aligned with this creed and became believable institutions that defined public discourse and outlined societal norms. Credibility arises from the scrupulousness of editing, a sense of accountability, and a clear distinction between news and opinion. But with modernity, those standards are increasingly compromised.
The game has changed in journalism with the advent of digital media. It has changed the priorities and practices of traditional journalism. The 24/7 news cycle and algorithm-driven platforms are so mighty that in such a situation, the quest for speed sometimes supersedes the pursuit of accuracy. Breaking news, what was once the preserve of big scoops, has become a race to get published first, often at the cost of verification. Errors multiply, and retractions, when they do occur, are seldom equal to the mileage of the original story. It leaves this chipping away at rigor that destroys the people's trust in the integrity of journalism to examine even the most trusted sources.
Electronic media, television in particular, complicates matters further with the crisis of credibility. Ratings culture in which content yields to spectacle is all important, and sensationalism and inflammatory debates become staple primetime fare. This displaces objective reporting, further estranging critical listeners. Political or corporate ownership and influence complicates the issue even more because perceived bias or an agenda rather than reportage emerges in this process. It cannot then help but deal its damaging blow when journalism is no longer a power question but rather an issue for which to speak.
This has further deteriorated social media because it has democratized the flow of information and, over time, gradually downgraded the gate-keeping function of traditional journalism. Here, the unverified claim on Twitter and Facebook have multiplied faster than the correction put forward through the same medium, where credible journalism is overlapped in this noise. Once again, in this manner, lines blur: under "citizen journalism," the layperson, without any degree of professional training, inserts himself into the news culture, often without concern over ethics. This sets up information environments that are fractured in their ability to trust anything one reads.
The consequence of undermined journalistic credibility is staggering. Journalism can be defined as the fourth estate, especially in democratic society; here, it acts to enforce checks on power and forms means of informed choice. This role is also diminished when credibility is eroded, and the public remains susceptible to manipulation and deception. Societal polarization escalates further as audiences retreat into their own echo chambers, only where they can find supporting and validating opinions. Weakening of trust also threatens journalism financially because disappointed consumers run away from traditional outlets and revenue and resources to support investigations decline.
Restoring credibility requires journalism to reclaim its roots. The truth has to be verified, the claim has to be questioned, and the fact has to be proven to be right. Transparency in reporting must come from recognition of sources, declaration of any kind of conflict of interest, and errors. The ideal journalists have to strive for is objectivity; a balanced presentation of views, rather than an attempt to sensationalize, should remain the goal.
Equally important is strengthening the ethical standards of the newsrooms. Journalism has to regain its status as a public service and not as business venture. That needs a cultural change with integrity over profit and refusing pressure from advertisers, owners, and political masters. The media houses should invest in investigative journalism, which can unearth hidden truths and re-instate watchdog roles for journalism.
The other part to be rediscovered to regain trust is the publics who are engaging in activities. Literacy in the media can empower critical reception and discernment of right information from wrong ones. Coalitions between journalists, educators, and civil society can consolidate the position of the public in regard to the handling of the situation. It is the journalists, however, who will have to deliver messages and how their processes of helping them to explain issues concerning public inquires will be explained. All these can help to regain what was lost by mistrust.
Technology has always presented as a source of problems, but today it can be used to make credibility. For instance, it can authenticate sources and prevent any alterations. Artificial intelligence can be used to help in the identification of misinformation, but the same should be checked by ethical standards so that transparency and accountability are upheld. Social media regulation goes hand in hand, and there is responsibility from tech companies in ensuring that false information goes out there without at least compromising freedom of expression.
In the final analysis, it is a matter of journalism's absolute commitment to truth and its firm resolve for the public good. It is the moment of unprecedented challenge-the flood of misinformation, the strain of commercialization, and the general sense of disillusionment that can only be reversed by the revival of purpose. Restoration of credibility is, therefore, necessary not only professionally but socially. It forms the base on which informed democracies are built, and such could help restore the beacon of trust in this uncertain world with journalism embracing integrity, transparency, and accountability.
(The Writer is Editor in Chief of the Assamese E-Magazine SAMPROTIK. Views are personal. Email: himangshur1989@gmail.com)
