EDITORIAL
The media strives to inform, educate the public and address matters of public interest. Far too often, local and international media practitioners practise an additional doctrine, that of sensationalism, to remain relevant and to keep the audience tuning in for the next instalment. Having to fill print space, air time or broadband content is no easy feat and the more “exciting” the news, the more it guarantees continued patronage. This is even more apparent in the age of social media, as shrinking attention to traditional news may make traditional media outlets feel that they have to keep pace – by any means necessary – with social media.
The downside to that is a level of inaccuracy recorded in a rush to “scoop” the competition and the feeling impressed on the average person that the world has gone mad, with the latest episode of shootings/beheadings/killings/rampaging etc. The occurrences on the day must be reported faithfully and accurately, no doubt about that, but if the negative events are the ones highlighted or repeated ad nauseum – forsaking actual positive events that have occurred – a distinct bias is created towards the observer becoming more disillusioned with the state of world affairs. And when the narrative is being shaped and moulded by the very news entities that should retain their credibility, observers realise that in journalism some do not match the level of responsibility expected of the profession.
It is incumbent then for the media to shine its spotlight on the good in equal measure as it does the negative, and by that token truly reflect what is happening in the country and provide a balanced view. More than that, that type of heartening news cycle can help to inspire future humanitarians into doing the good that can be done. If we in the media hope to show that we truly care about our communities and nations, we must do so in a way that not only educates, but inspires our audience to be the change we all want to see. We must not let cynicism blind us to the real moments of humanity rising to its best; yes, even in the face of the rise of citizen journalism due to the proliferation of personal opinions captured by the Internet age, where tweets, blogs, posts and emails are changing reporting in a way never seen before. More so than ever, the media should not pander to the lowest denominator to sate the public. News outlets must know they are responsible for shaping public opinion and are needed to separate fiction from fact.
It has been a challenging year to date and some violent situations have left us aghast. Those must be focused on and perpetrators brought to justice as soon as possible. However, there are positive people who are making a difference in our society, whose heart-warming campaigns and work should be commended and highlighted. With all the talk about bad customer service, for example, we should delight in hearing stories about those who go above the call of duty, such as the representative of the Barbados Transport Board who patiently and kindly interfaces with commuters awaiting buses.
Media practitioners must practise a responsible journalism that is a benchmark by which the profession is measured and judged. We would do well to give equal time to the thousands of people locally and worldwide making an inspiring difference.