By Ayuba Doekyil
One of the biggest problems facing journalism today is the growing belief that a journalist must only report stories that support certain political, ethnic, religious, or personal interests.
Once a report challenges a person’s preferred narrative, the journalist is quickly labeled an enemy, a sellout, or an agent of the opposition.
This thinking comes from emotion and ignorance, not an understanding of the role of journalism in a democratic society.
The duty of a journalist is not to protect anyone’s image. It is not to promote a political party, defend a government, or hide uncomfortable truths.
The duty of a journalist is to inform the public. When there is corruption, it should be reported. When there is insecurity, it should be reported. When public funds are mismanaged, it should be reported. When leaders fail, it should be reported.
Likewise, when leaders perform well, that too should be reported.
Many people claim to want accountability until the spotlight shines on someone they support. Suddenly, facts become offensive, questions become attacks, and journalism becomes a crime.
This is a dangerous mindset.
A society cannot solve its problems by pretending they do not exist. Hiding societal ills does not make them disappear.
Silencing journalists does not improve governance. Attacking those who expose problems only protects the problems themselves.
The truth is that journalists do not create corruption, insecurity, poverty, bad governance, or injustice.
They simply bring these issues to public attention. Shooting the messenger has never solved the message.
Citizens must learn to separate facts from emotions.
Disagreeing with a report is one thing; attempting to discredit or intimidate journalists because a story does not align with personal beliefs is another.
Democracy thrives when information flows freely, not when facts are filtered to satisfy individual preferences.
Journalism is not a public relations tool for politicians, governments, or interest groups. It is a public service. Its responsibility is to the truth and to the people.
Those who genuinely desire progress should welcome scrutiny, accountability, and honest reporting, even when it is uncomfortable.
After all, a society that punishes truth-tellers will eventually find itself ruled by lies.
~Ayuba Doekyil is a Digital Visibility and PR Expert, Political Communication Strategists.
