In dark times, credible press can shine a light
- Post joins celebrations for World News Day, which stresses the challenges faced by journalists as they attempt to provide readers with accurate information
The value of reliable journalism has never been more important, in this age of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda and fake news. Today is World News Day, a time to reflect on the valuable role played by journalists in providing their readers with accurate information, highlighting pressing social issues and seeking to bring positive changes.
World News Day, organised by the Canadian Journalism Foundation and World Editors Forum, is celebrated by hundreds of news outlets globally, including the South China Morning Post. The campaign highlights the value of fact-based reporting and conveys the message that journalism matters. This year, the focus is on the ability of journalists to make a difference to people’s lives. This is done by shining a light on problems faced by communities and examining what needs to be done to resolve them.
Among the many stories from around the world promoted for World News Day is a series submitted by the Post on Hong Kong’s housing crisis. This package exposed the plight of more than 200,000 people living in tiny subdivided flats and notorious cage homes. Our reporters gave a voice to these long-suffering residents, and exposed the appalling conditions in which they live. The series also examined the underlying causes of the problem, including high property prices and a severe shortage of affordable housing. It showed how far Hong Kong has to go if it is to meet Beijing’s demand that substandard accommodation of this kind be eliminated by 2049.
The Post also submitted a package helping readers understand the impact and implications of the Chinese Communist Party’s top-level reshuffle.
These two packages join many other compelling contributions from publications around the world. The media industry globally has faced challenging times as a result of technological developments, the advent of social media, falling revenues, and threats to press freedom. Today provides an opportunity to champion the journalists, often working in difficult or dangerous environments, who make a difference – by striving to bring readers the truth and help shape a better world.