No conflict or crisis in history has been so instantly and more intensively recorded.
The media has played a leading role and has kept up an hour by hour running commentary as historic events unfold. We cannot escape the non-stop barrage.
Unlike the past, when public information was limited, first to the press then to radio and television, we now have a huge range of information and news available on social media platforms. News now comes to us in minutes.
This plethora of facts - and fiction - has its advantages and drawbacks. It creates awareness and interest but also can become boring or make us worried and angry.
It has become vital, for people and governments.
For me, an old newspaper man, the press is a Jekyll and Hyde character.
Its genial side gives us essential information but the other side - mainly the best selling tabloids - creates fear and tension by magnifying bad news with screaming headlines.
The media attracts more blame than plaudits but good editors agree that a free press and reasonable controls are essential.
The danger comes from the internet giants like Facebook and Twitter.
Our press and television is not state controlled.
We may not get the complete, honest picture, but at least we can choose what we want to read, hear or watch.
And even the government has to listen to the powerful media.
The pandemic, like other international crises, has emphasised the importance of honest, factual presentation of news and information.
The media should acknowledge the importance of their job and the government should ensure that the present trend to trivialise and distort be curbed.
No comments:
Post a Comment