In the age of digital journalism, where breaking news
spreads in seconds, the role of the media has never been more crucial—or more
scrutinized. Instant reporting ensures that the public remains informed, but it
also exposes journalists to relentless attacks from governments, political
outfits, and even the public itself. Instead of addressing the issues being
reported, critics often resort to silencing the messenger. But suppressing the
media does not erase reality; it only erodes democracy.
The internet and social media have revolutionized
journalism, allowing reporters to deliver real-time updates on crises,
disasters, and political events. However, this speed-driven culture has its
pitfalls. The pressure to break news first often leads to incomplete or
inaccurate reporting, fuelling misinformation. There are times when some
reports may not be perceived well by those in power or those who aspire to be.
The responsibility, however, does not lie solely with journalists.
The rise of digital journalism has democratized
information but also made it more vulnerable to manipulation. Independent media
platforms often struggle against algorithm-driven suppression, where tech
giants control what stories gain visibility. Meanwhile, journalists face online
harassment, doxxing, and government surveillance. In several countries, instant
reporting on corruption, protests, or human rights violations has led to
arrests under vague national security laws. The message is clear—expose the
truth, and you become the target.
Governments across the world, including in democratic
nations, are tightening control over the media through legal intimidation and
economic pressure. Journalists covering sensitive topics are often labelled
"anti-national" or accused of spreading "fake news" to
justify censorship. Corporate-owned media houses, dependent on government
advertising revenue, increasingly avoid stories that challenge those in power.
This creates a press that serves the establishment rather than the people.
For a democracy to function, the media must be free to
report fearlessly. Journalists must also adhere to ethical standards, ensuring
accuracy despite the rush of instant reporting. Governments and political
parties and individuals must stop treating the press as an adversary and
instead protect journalistic freedom. Audiences, too, play a role by
prioritizing sensational headlines over nuanced analysis, forcing media houses
to cater to clicks rather than credibility.
The public must also be more discerning, supporting
independent media that prioritizes investigative journalism over clickbait
culture. And the media must be allowed to do its job, without fear or under
pressure.
Killing the messenger does not kill the truth. If the
press is silenced, society loses its ability to hold power accountable.
Journalism, whether print or digital, despite its flaws, remains an essential
pillar of democracy. The solution is not censorship or blame game, but greater
transparency, responsibility, and a commitment to fair and independent
reporting.
