By Joseph Bagah, Senior Assistant Registrar, SDD-UBIDS, WA
As the clock ticks to the 2024 election, the political landscape is alive with activities. Candidates are crisscrossing the country, making promises and pledges to win over voters.
Amidst the hype and rhetoric, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. That is where Journalists come in to separate fact from fiction, truth from lies and to hold those in power to account.
As the saying goes, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
Journalists wield this power, using their pens to shed light on issues that shape our lives. In this election season, they are more crucial and critical than ever and stand at a very pivotal position, though prone to danger.
From economy to education, healthcare to national security, the issues are complex and multifaceted. Journalists must dig deep, asking tough questions and seeking out diverse perspectives. They must also be vigilant, fact-checking claims and exposing misinformation. The role of Journalists goes beyond just reporting the facts. They must also provide context and analysis, helping voters make informed decisions and choices.
Just as “knowledge is power,” Journalists empower citizens with the knowledge they need to participate in the democratic process. In this election season, Journalists face unique challenges. Social media has created an echo chamber, where misinformation spreads like wildfire.
Politicians are increasingly hostile to the press, trying to discredit and silence them. Journalists must persevere, upholding the principles of a free and independent press. Journalists are very vulnerable in political seasons as they can be caught up in battles between politicians.
They must continue to grow, thrive and hold those in power accountable and do the needful to grow the country.
As Journalists play a vital role in the 2024 election, they must continue to be watchdogs of our democracy.
The Fourth Estate is the guardian of democracy and so, let us cherish and support this Estate, for it is the cornerstone of a free and just society. What does it mean to be a watchdog? It means being vigilant, always on the lookout for signs of wrongdoing or corruption. It means asking tough questions, even when the questions are uncomfortable and fishing out corrupt officials. Journalists must also be aware of their own biases and assumptions. They must strive to be objective, factual, without spin or interpretation. Though this is not always easy, it is crucial.
In addition, Journalists must be willing to take risks, challenge those in power and question the status quo. Moreover, Journalists must be committed to the truth. They must be willing to seek out multiple sources, to verify facts and to correct mistakes. This is the foundation of good journalism and it is essential in this election season.
Journalists must be aware of the impact of their reporting and consider the consequences of their words and strive to be fair and balanced, not forgetting the role and impact of social media. They must be aware of the spread of misinformation and strive for perfection.
Huge commitment must be made towards transparency and the willingness to collaborate, inform, educate and help citizens get their constitutional rights and also be responsible.
Journalists must be aware of the role of money in politics, the influence of donors and strive to expose them, as well as refuse to be lured into accepting the same from politicians and people with influence.
Journalists must be committed to the democratic process and be willing and do all in their power to defend, protect and to promote it. This is the foundation of a free and a just society and it is very essential in this 2024 election season and beyond.
