Journalism is becoming an increasingly dangerous profession

Journalism is becoming an increasingly dangerous profession.

Share America says that 2,026 journalists have been killed since 1992, most while covering politics, war or corruption. Many were local reporters writing about problems in their very own streets. At least nine journalists were killed in Ukraine during the first seven weeks of Russia’s 2022 war of aggression.

The Press Freedom year topic 2022 states that digital siege has an impact on journalism. The topic examines the challenges to media viability in different regions and media sectors, identifying viable solutions without compromising the integrity and editorial independence and exploring the importance of professional practices.

On the international Press Freedom, as a guest at American Corner, a space managed by  United States of America in Burundi, I suggested to students a specfic topic : Press Freedom, one of the many factors of a sustainable  developement

Talking what is press, all publisher ( people, reporters, photographers..) working for a newspaper, magazine freedom, radio stations, TV are said press and  Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.

The publishers need freedom which gives them the right of the press to publish information without much hinderance from authorities which should go with responsibility (McQuail, 2003:556). Furthermore, responsible press freedom by journalists enhances the capacity of the press to publish news in order to respond to the totality of society (Curran & Seaton, 2010).

Generally, press freedom ensures that citizens have a right to full information about decisions made by political authorities. It brings about informed citizens leading to transparency in government operations (Banda, 2007). Access to information helps citizens to monitor government decision making more effectively. This in turn, enhances the role of journalists in analyzing and passing on information to the general public (Phiri, 2008). 

Despites this press freedom, journalism is becoming an increasingly dangerous profession,” as said Courtney Radsch, formerly of the Committee to Protect Journalists. The committee as well as America Share say that 2,026 journalists have been killed since 1992, most while covering politics, war or corruption. Many were local reporters writing about problems in their very own streets. At least nine journalists were killed in Ukraine during the first seven weeks of Russia’s 2022 war of aggression

Around the world

They (journalists) run great personnal risks including new restructions, consership abuse, harassement, dentation even death (UN SG Antonio G, PFDay, 2021). According to RSF report 50 journalists were killed in 2020, most of them in peaceful countries, and nearly 400 others were imprisoned (Le Monde noted). Le Monde reported that 53 journalists were killed in 2019, despite the reduction in the number of reports due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (RSF, final annual report published on December29,2020). At least 937 journalists have been killed since 2011 (RSF report,2020).

In general, during the last 30 years, 2026 journalists were killed (Share America Report, published on April28,2022) and countries highly ranked in PF are : Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Jamaica, New Zealand, Ireland, Portugal, and Switzerland whereas the last one are : North Korea, Turkmenistan, Eritrea, China, Djibouti, Vietnam, Syria, Iran, Laos, Cuba and Saudi Arabia (Index RSF,2021) .

In Africa, even though there is some form of limited press freedom in some countries like Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, it is important, however, to understand the kind of freedom in these countries is not in any way near to what is known to exist in countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Denmark (Ochilo, 1993:23).  Furthermore, in many African countries, press freedom is often suppressed and journalists regularly face harassment and violence (Federation of African Journalists, 2010). In Zambia for example, journalists are regularly attacked for criticizing the government while others are censored and intimidated into conformity (Chama, 2012).

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), +- 30 journalists were killed during the Somali war.

 

u According to Pope VI, development must promote every man and the whole man," (Populorum Progressio)

u  Whether public or private, the media play a crucial role in the economy. They support or criticize the government, denounce or silence the opinions and misdeeds of industry, give voice to the people or fail to speak on their behalf, and simply disseminate economic information.

u As information providers, the media are more likely to promote better economic performance when they meet the following three conditions: independence, quality of information provided, and a wide sphere of influence. In other words, when they are in a position to reduce the natural asymmetry of information between those who govern and those the

supposed to serve, or even between private agents - managers and shareholders or employees.

Conclusion

Press Freedom  influences the influencers

u When the media fit responsible profile, they can enhance the credibility of industry and government by keeping a close eye on their activities and publicly denouncing abuses, while enabling consumers to make more informed decisions  

u Responsible press freedom by journalists enhances the capacity of the press to publish news in order to respond to the totality of society (Curran & Seaton, 2010). Unfortunately, this level of freedom is difficult to achieve because of many political challenges and vague legal doctrines (Chama, 2012). In many African countries, intolerance of opposing views by government makes responsible journalism irrelevant (Chirwa, 1996).

u As Ogbondah (1994) notes that many African prisons are crowded with courageous and responsible journalists who are not prepared to accept dictation of what they may or may not print (Ogbondah)

u Authorities should know that journalists are their partners not opponents.They  can't have much of a democracy without a free press.