The participation of MDP leaders and some political figures in a journalists’ forum, held to discuss the bill on freedom of the press submitted to the parliament, has become the target of widespread criticism and disapproval. Many believe that this has hindered the clear communication of journalists’ concerns about the bill to the public.
It is crucial that journalists clearly voice their concerns regarding this bill. Journalists should be the ones discussing the bill. It is the duty of journalists to raise public awareness about the changes that the bill’s provisions will bring to press freedom and the challenges that journalists may face. The public must be informed about the concerns of this bill, letter by letter, without distorting the truth. For example, they need to explain in detail: if this article of the bill remains as it is, it will hinder such and such matters, this needs to be amended. They must clarify how this article will restrict press freedom and create difficulties in providing information.
However, what we are seeing is certain party activists coming out and expressing their pent-up emotions, taking advantage of the moment. As a result, the real concerns of journalists are overshadowed, and the public perceives it as a politically colored issue. This is why the public doesn’t support such matters. There was hope that the 150 or 200 journalists who reportedly signed the petition would be seen at this forum. But since it appeared to be a group from a political party, public interest diminished.
This is why the public lacks interest in what you’re doing. Reading through through public comments, many people were criticizing journalists. Journalists play the most crucial role in changing a country’s situation. This can only be achieved by properly conveying what they aim to accomplish to the public. And currently, there doesn’t seem to be a place where this is being conveyed. Many believe that journalists have forgotten their true purpose and responsibility.
It could be that there aren’t quality journalists like there used to be in the past. The way things are now, it seems that journalists are behaving like political party leaders and activists. This has led to a loss of trust in journalism and decreased public support. Don’t do this. Let’s reveal the real concerns to the public. Then, we too are ready to support the cause. Journalists’ work should be about providing truthful information without political bias.
