World Press Freedom Day was commemorated Sunday. In ordinary times, this means a series of activities around the world that pay tribute to the contribution of journalists, make people aware of the injustices done to them, encourage and develop initiatives in favor of press freedom, and assess the state of news media worldwide.
But these times are anything but ordinary.
COVID-19 has altered practically every aspect of our individual, community and national lives. With billions of people all over the world on lockdown, with public transportation and “normal” business operations paused, journalists have to make major adjustments to the way we carry out our profession.
Foremost, there is the constant threat to the truth. Sometimes in a desperate desire to find some sense in a complex, mysterious disease, people circulate alleged cures or remedies. In the intention to make themselves look good before the public, some take credit for a collective effort while diminishing the contribution of others. Some attempt to revise history by saying this was what they did, when they did not do anything or worse, did the complete opposite. Some malign their political opponents, turning a national emergency into an opportunity for gain.
In all this, it is the duty of the press to set the record straight and not allow anybody to turn the situation into his or her political advantage at the expense of the truth.
There is also the lingering threat of financial viability. Even before this crisis, media have had to suffer economic disadvantages and threats to the sustainability of the trade. Now, with revenues shrinking even further, those who work in media organizations are even more at risk of financial displacement. It is a great sacrifice for them to continue doing their jobs in this environment of heightened health risk, while keeping body and soul together.
Finally, democracy thrives in assent and dissent. In delivering the news and encouraging the people to think critically and form their own informed opinion on various issues, many journalists are being pilloried for “complaining” and “not helping.” But this is exactly the contribution – to make leaders accountable for their action and inaction. Being critical of others does not mean wishing them to fail; on the contrary, it is a continued expression of hope that much can still be done.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial, and the press plays a vital role in ensuring that we get out of this healthier, stronger, and better able to appreciate free discourse and yes, constructive criticism. It is neither a task for the faint-hearted – nor the apathetic.