Editorial | In an age of fake news, press freedom must be promoted and protected
- Access to reliable information is critical during the global struggle against Covid-19 and highlights the role of journalists in seeking the truth and reporting the facts
More than 150 newsrooms around the world, including the South China Morning Post, are celebrating World News Day on Monday. It is an opportunity to appreciate and reflect on the role news reporting plays in helping us understand the complex issues that affect our lives. This is why the event, organised by the Canadian Journalism Foundation and World Editors Forum, conveys the message: Real News Matters. It has never been more important.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for the media to be free to report the facts. There is a thirst for accurate information about this deadly new disease and the measures taken to curb it. But readers are confronted with a mass of unreliable information and rumour, most of it through social media. Journalists are trained to report objectively and fairly. They substantiate facts and provide balance. They do not always get it right. But there are good reasons why readers have turned to professional media organisations during the pandemic as they seek reliable information. The media has also helped unite communities and galvanise them to work together to combat the virus. There have been inspiring stories to help lift spirits in these difficult times. News reporting has helped save lives.
Covid-19 has, however, hit the media industry hard. Revenues have fallen and jobs have been lost. Some journalists have died while covering the pandemic. Others have been harassed or suppressed by governments wishing to cover up their own failings.
The global pandemic shows no sign of easing. Many challenges lie ahead. World News Day serves as a timely reminder that press freedom must be promoted and protected so that responsible journalism can flourish.