Don't Shoot the Messenger

In the age of digital journalism, where breaking news spreads in seconds, the role of the media has never been more crucial—or more scrutinized. Instant reporting ensures that the public remains informed, but it also exposes journalists to relentless attacks from governments, political outfits, and even the public itself. Instead of addressing the issues being reported, critics often resort to silencing the messenger. But suppressing the media does not erase reality; it only erodes democracy.

The internet and social media have revolutionized journalism, allowing reporters to deliver real-time updates on crises, disasters, and political events. However, this speed-driven culture has its pitfalls. The pressure to break news first often leads to incomplete or inaccurate reporting, fuelling misinformation. There are times when some reports may not be perceived well by those in power or those who aspire to be. The responsibility, however, does not lie solely with journalists.

The rise of digital journalism has democratized information but also made it more vulnerable to manipulation. Independent media platforms often struggle against algorithm-driven suppression, where tech giants control what stories gain visibility. Meanwhile, journalists face online harassment, doxxing, and government surveillance. In several countries, instant reporting on corruption, protests, or human rights violations has led to arrests under vague national security laws. The message is clear—expose the truth, and you become the target.

Governments across the world, including in democratic nations, are tightening control over the media through legal intimidation and economic pressure. Journalists covering sensitive topics are often labelled "anti-national" or accused of spreading "fake news" to justify censorship. Corporate-owned media houses, dependent on government advertising revenue, increasingly avoid stories that challenge those in power. This creates a press that serves the establishment rather than the people.

For a democracy to function, the media must be free to report fearlessly. Journalists must also adhere to ethical standards, ensuring accuracy despite the rush of instant reporting. Governments and political parties and individuals must stop treating the press as an adversary and instead protect journalistic freedom. Audiences, too, play a role by prioritizing sensational headlines over nuanced analysis, forcing media houses to cater to clicks rather than credibility.

The public must also be more discerning, supporting independent media that prioritizes investigative journalism over clickbait culture. And the media must be allowed to do its job, without fear or under pressure.

Killing the messenger does not kill the truth. If the press is silenced, society loses its ability to hold power accountable. Journalism, whether print or digital, despite its flaws, remains an essential pillar of democracy. The solution is not censorship or blame game, but greater transparency, responsibility, and a commitment to fair and independent reporting.