In defence of our journalists

The global picture in regard to the safety of journalists and their right to tell their stories free from intimidation and physical attacks is not an encouraging one. From all parts of the world, with Gaza and Palestine the worst examples given the brazen aggressiveness of Israel, and to varying degrees the lives and limbs of those who cover the news are very much in danger. Even journalists who work for the United Nations are under attack.

While these attacks are coming from, in the main, governments and armed forces, journalists far from war zones, are being threatened by armed gangs and even individuals if they happen to write, type or say something that does not meet the favour of these people. In the context of the Caribbean, and including our own shores, these threats are looming larger and larger.

There is a growing demand for more open coverage of events including violent incidents in the society. Yet, when reporters cover such events, they are increasingly receiving threats if their stories do not find favour with elements in the society. It may be from criminal elements on the one hand, but sometimes from relatives of victims because they do not like the tone of the reports. It is difficult for journalists to do their duty in such circumstances, especially when they observe the open violent acts in our society. Our own newspaper, the SEARCHLIGHT, has itself from time to time received complaints from its own journalists of threats made to them by members of the public if they are not happy with a story covered in the paper. There have also been threats made to reporters from other media publications, and even threats to private citizens via social media over comments which those reasons have allegedly made.

Clearly this is an unacceptable situation. Our journalists are bound by rules and laws which they are expected to obey. But they are not employed to please or serve individual interests. If there is inaccurate reporting, then the aggrieved citizens are fully entitled to complain, or if considered libellous, take legal action. It is impossible to report and please all the differing interests.

On our social media platforms and in today’s issue, there is a statement from our Editorial Board addressing our concerns about threats made to our reporters. We shall repeat it in the weekend issue. It indicates our fullest support for the right of our journalists to carry out their legal functions free from threats and intimidation. We insist on our right to publish free from fear and intimidation, and at the same time will investigate any complaints from the public.

In furtherance of journalistic freedom and the rights of individuals, we have already made formal complaints to the police, and we expect them to do their duty to protect and ensure the safety of journalists, and in the process, respect journalistic freedom. But we insist that we will not be intimidated in the work that we do. We cannot please one and all and there will always be persons not happy about this our that story. We are open to providing alternative opinions, but we insist on upholding our right to publish free from fear and intimidation.