Everybody on this planet has something to say about the press, and I`m talking about the MSM (Mainstream Media). The fun fact is that most people don`t call it MSM anymore, but Legacy Media. And that for a reason.
May 3 is an important day. Not only for the press, but for all the citizens of the planet. Today it is the World Press Freedom Day, and this day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993.
On the 3rd of May, the world once again comes together to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. A time to reflect on the importance of a free press in upholding democracy, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability.
As we mark this occasion in 2024, the role of the press in the digital age takes center stage, presenting unprecedented opportunities, and formidable challenges.
Press freedom lies at the heart of democratic societies, serving as a cornerstone of liberty, and progress. It empowers journalists to hold power to account, uncover truths, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.
A free press i essential for informing the public, shaping public discourse, and safeguarding the values of democracy.
But today we are all facing new challenges. The proliferation of misinformation, and disinformation has blurred the lines between fact and fiction, undermining trust in traditional media outlets, and eroding the foundations of informed decision-making.
Previously, printed media wanted a good story to sell as much newspapers as possible. Today, the printed press is slowly dying, and the digital era has changed the game. They still want a good story, but now they want clicks and as much views as possible. At any cost.
In 2024, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism, and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environment crisis. Awereness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis, and its consequences is essential to build democratic societies.
Jornalistic work is indispensable for this purpose.
To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary for jornalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues, and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions.
Journalists and Media isn`t always doing the right thing, and that`s why so many people around the world have lost their trust, and listen more to blogs on internet. Former U.S President Richard Nixon warned us all about this decades ago.
In 1983, Nixon said the problem is that Media has a sense of self-righteousness. A double standard on issue after issue after issue. They can find everything wrong with somebody else, but they will not look inside, and never admit that they could be wrong themselves.
«Presidential power is limited. Limited by the courts. Limited by the congress. The media`s power is unlimited». Nixon said.
Nixon was concerned about the media landscape at that time, but he also talked about the competition. There is only on paper, he said. The Washington Post is the only major newspaper being printed in the most important capital in the world.
«I wouldn`t like to leave the fate of this country to the editors of the Washington Post,» Nixon said.
The first amendment has been abused by reporters. It`s used basically as a license, he said. Nixon said that the case «Sullivan versus New York Times» is an affect, a license to lie. Because they can tell an untruth. Print an untruth, which some of them consciously do.
They do it because they will sell newspapers, and some of them can win a prize. And then they can always get behind the barrier under that case of saying: «Well I didn`t intend any malice. I had no malice. They will do anything to get a story, and ratings matters.
John F. Kennedy talked about the same. So did Eisenhower. But Nixon also said that he believe in a free press. He didn`t want government control under any circumstances or government censorship of either radio, television or newspaper.
I`m simply suggesting here that all of the media should look within themselves. Look in the mirror now and then, rather than looking out there to others, Nixon said.
World Press Freedom Day 2024 serves as a timely reminder of the indispensable role that a free press plays in upholding democracy, fostering accountability, and safeguarding human rights. As we confront the challenges of the digital age, let us renew our commitment to defending press freedom, and nurturing a media environment (online and offline) where truth can flourish, and democracy can thrive!
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Ket Garden
Shiny bull 