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In 1896, The New York Times introduced these words on its masthead, and these words not only became its own manifesto, but also set the standard by which other newspapers were judged. The phrase “all news fit for print” was reportedly chosen in response to the vulgar content of its two main rivals, who peddled news deemed “unfit” for publication or what became known as “yellow journalism.”
Today is World News Day, and it’s interesting that terms like “yellow journalism” are now considered to belong to another era, another generation. The same goes for the idea of ​​”objective” reporting. Current news consumers (no longer readers) are more familiar with terms like “fake news,” “keyboard man,” and “trolling” and everything they encompass. So, what is the significance of this day in a contemporary context? Organized primarily by the Canadian Press Foundation and WAN-IFRA’s World Editors’ Forum, with more than 500 newsrooms participating, the day is celebrated to bring renewed focus to a commitment to fact-based and credible journalism.
No matter how noble the intentions, the current challenge to credible journalism seems almost insurmountable. At the same time, in today’s crisis-ridden world, the need for reliable news sources — and credible voices delivering news — is greater than ever. Perhaps even worse than during the censorship period, journalists in Pakistan have particularly painful memories of these days.
The fake news phenomenon has been known to exist for over a century, but it was Donald Trump who made it part of the mainstream discourse. He accused critics of peddling fake news about him while using it as an effective propaganda tool against opponents, including journalists. His assistant, Kellyanne Conway, went a step further, introducing the concept of “alternative facts” into the dictionary, which is actually a euphemism for a lie.
The challenges of credible journalism seem almost insurmountable.
Fake news can only be defeated or combated by fact-based news, and this is where the importance of a professional newsroom (in a newspaper or TV/radio channel) really comes into play. Yet at a time when social media is surpassing even traditional electronic media—let alone print—people are scrambling to get the news first. This often requires compromise on fact-checking. TV channels are also among the ranks of peddling fake news, even if unintentionally, in the race for ratings.
So why should anyone care about the news? Can truth in news and reporting really change people’s lives? Just accepting the threats and violence journalists face in the performance of their duties, fact-based investigative reporting is undermining corruption and cracking down on Apple cars in some parts of the world. The extreme reaction of those exposed as a result has earned many countries – including Pakistan – a reputation as “the most dangerous place for journalists” for the press freedom group. In a world where populist leaders are increasingly trampling on people’s rights – not just in third world countries – the adversarial and watchdog role of the media takes on greater significance.
It’s not just groundbreaking news that has impact or has an impact. Not every investigation by a reporter leads to the resignation of a head of state, as did the Washington Post and the Watergate scandal involving Richard Nixon.
In the case of Pakistan, sustained coverage of an issue can have far-reaching positive results. We’ve seen how reports of honour killings (a vile practice unheard of decades ago) helped raise awareness and awareness, leading human rights groups to tackle the issue and campaign until eventually the judiciary stopped condoning the practice. Likewise, when the first agricultural laborers managed to break free from the yoke of feudal landlords in Sindh, it was newspaper coverage that helped HRCP launch a legal campaign against bonded labor, which was passed in 1992.
Journalists in Pakistan may not be showing themselves adequately with their stories. However, they showed resilience and resistance when it mattered most. During the dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq, when journalists were not only imprisoned but flogged, they bravely reported on democratic movements – including the Restoration of Democracy Movement and the nascent Women’s Action Forum. Pictorial reports of female protesters in Lahore being dragged into police cars in 1983 have become an iconic part of Pakistani journalism history.
However, for those whose job it is to spread the news, this may be the worst of times. In a highly divided society, fair or not, as beneficiaries of partisan or “lifafa” systems, journalists must reaffirm their commitment to speaking the truth to power.
The author is a human rights activist.
Posted in Dawn, September 28, 2022
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