Freedom of journalists is essential in a democratic society if people are to receive accurate and accessible information about their surroundings. Unfortunately, journalists face many obstacles, and harassment and violence frequently threaten their right to report on significant events and hot-button public issues. But is journalistic freedom not an issue for the world?
Government censorship is almost a threat to journalistic freedom. Authorities can often register journalists by enacting laws and guidelines to regulate the boundaries of media coverage. For example, Chinese regulations severely restrict access to social media websites deemed politically sensitive. Likewise, the Turkish government has detained and imprisoned journalists who write critical articles about the administration or governing parties.
Moreover, another major problem internationally is that in many countries journalists who primarily report on organized crime or terrorism face threats and violence from groups that do not want their activities to be publicized. For example, more than 100 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 2000, many of them investigating drug trafficking and organized crime. If you think about it, you can understand that journalists are working non-stop to bring the true news to us.
The highest standards of ethical and professional conduct must also be upheld by Newshound when reporting. To do this, a thorough look must be executed, resources must be ensured, and reporting must be accurate and fair. In international settings where press freedom is limited, journalists need to be aware of effective responses to their reporting. In times of crisis, including the Covid-19 pandemic, freedom of the press is essential. Journalists must be allowed to cover the spread of the virus, the government response, and the effects of the pandemic on people's lives to provide accurate information to the public. Sadly, many governments have used the pandemic as justification to censor the press, including arresting journalists who cover important aspects of the government's response to the crisis.
Journalists have influenced history and brought attention to global injustices, so let's not forget that important role.
First, there was the publication of 11.5 million leaked documents known to us as the Panama Papers. That led to a global scandal and pressure on governments to regulate tax havens and financial secrecy, greatly aided by journalists.
Second, from 1954 to 1968, journalists played an important role in exposing prejudice and discrimination, which helped the civil rights movement gain popular support.
Third, we all know about the Arab Spring, but this Arab Spring (which lasted from December 17, 2010, to December 2012) benefited from citizen journalism and social media, which raised awareness of the protests and put more pressure on governments to change.
Fourthly, journalists have been instrumental in covering the Covid-19 pandemic reporting on its spread and holding authorities accountable.
Lastly, an unforgettable and true contribution was that journalists were essential in reporting the 1971 Bangladesh-Pakistan war and bringing attention to the Pakistani military's abuse of human rights. They reported on war crimes, provided eyewitness accounts, exposed government propaganda, and supported human rights. Their coverage contributed to increased international pressure on Pakistan's government to end the conflict and resolve human rights abuses.
I do believe that the government, journalists, and citizens must collaborate to safeguard and advance this fundamental right. Journalistic freedom is an essential component of a democratic society. The right of journalists to report on topics of public concern must be protected because they are essential in providing the public with accurate and trustworthy information. Although there are many obstacles in the way of journalists' independence, they can be overcome with the help of legal safeguards, moral guidelines, and public advocacy.
In my opinion, this journalistic profession is as strong as a phoenix. So, we should respect journalists and their profession. Because to develop free thought, to spread true news in the world, the media should create a space in this society so that the true news reaches us as fast.
Md Toslim Bhuiyan Prantik is a student, Department of Law, North South University.