EDITORIAL

The concept of truth has come into the public domain like never before. From fake currency to inaccurate media reports, last year saw the zenith of falsehood when fake news about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton seemed to work in favour of her rival. If these occurrences have taught us nothing else as media practitioners going forward – especially for Barbados’ not-too-distant polls – it is that we must continue to uphold our role in ensuring democratic, fair commentary at a time when, apparently, anything goes. The real falsity, an oxymoron if ever there was one, occurs in political circles where fact is known to be stranger than fiction. Take for instance new President of the United States Donald Trump, who has certainly not shied away from giving his opinion on any matter. In an election where fake news clearly resonated with the public – think of Pizzagate for the most bizarre example – the topic has not died down. In fact, Mr. Trump himself set the tone in a press conference just before his inauguration where he labelled two media outlets “fake news” and “garbage”. 

 

According to research published by the Pew Research Centre in December 2016, two-thirds of Americans believe that “fake news is sowing confusion”. Who can blame them? With social media, WikiLeaks, shadowy claims of Russian influence, and media culpability, among other things, the sting of US Election 2016 leaves one to wonder what is truth in the midst of contradictory claims. The latest testy accusations focus on which was the more accurate account of photographs widely circulated comparing sparse attendance at Mr. Trump’s inauguration compared to Mr. Obama’s 2009 event versus a photograph from Mr. Trump’s supporters that shows a large crowd. Perhaps the idea that there can be such things as “alternative facts” is baffling enough in itself. Bearing in mind this is just the first few days of office, which were also marked by two days of womens’ protests against Mr. Trump over the weekend, and it becomes clear that every move and counter move will be closely scrutinised throughout his presidency.

 

While in Barbados the bell has not officially rang, the country can sense that the political machinery is about to be cranked up even further. Just like our North American neighbours, the political season will bring out fervent supporters of the major parties, in addition to representatives from newly formed institutions. While potholes and the state of the economy have been the main discussion points, everything will be fair game, particularly in the court of social media opinion.

 

We will continue to argue that now, more than ever in this Digital Age, media practitioners must ensure that accuracy, fair comment and responsible journalism are their hallmark. We have seen chaos rule in the absence of order; and if we the media are to stay relevant, it must be on the grounds that regardless of the media house’s position, we must be true to our journalistic integrity. Participating in sensationalist tactics only results in a pyrrhic victory; as seen in the aftermath of the US Elections, the media is going through a soul-searching to determine just how they got it so wrong. Falsity is nothing new. However, the speed at which an inaccurate report can be broadcast and believed, especially in a smaller society like ours, can be detrimental. Let us, as part of the guardians of truth, ensure it is served, always.