When journalists from the independent media attend a public event where they can ask questions to the Prime Minister but, instead, end up being filmed and recorded by the government’s communications officers, it is clear things are not quite right.

It cannot be said that democracy is at its best when a journalist is photographed by members of the Labour Party media for making a phone call (to the newsroom) outside the Parliament building when summoned for a press conference by the Opposition. The picture soon appeared on a blog claiming that the journalist was taking instructions from the Opposition leader.

This, mind you, originated from a man who sits at the Office of the Prime Minister and is a member of his staff.

It is a concern when the Office of the Prime Minister makes it a point to drive home the message that it is not happy with the ‘direction’ the independent media is taking on particular stories or even scandals.

It is unacceptable that the media is stonewalled on issues such as Panamagate where accusations of corruption are left hanging in the air. It should be in the government’s interest to provide the public with all available information to clear any doubt on the integrity of the men surrounding the Prime Minister.

It is never a good idea to attempt to undermine the freedom of the press. A media on its knees is of no benefit to anyone except a dictatorial government.

It is the media’s job to ask the right questions in the public interest. This does not constitute a ‘negative’ media or one on a mission to damage the government; it is only the media doing its job. Since Edmund Burke, the ‘fourth estate’ has traditionally been regarded as one of the classic means of checks and balances in the division of powers. A free press opens the government’s record to external scrutiny. In a democratic country, there is a duty and an obligation to stem any attempt by the government to suppress this.

Democracy demands that those in power rule for the benefit of all. Democracy relies on freedom of expression, freedom of speech and media freedom. The role of the media is to hold power to account rather than following a warped model of impartiality that merely demands news organisations criticise the two main political parties equally.

Balance is not achieved by criticising the Opposition merely to ensure one appears impartial. Of course, wrongdoing by the Opposition must also be exposed and it too needs to be kept on its toes. However, it is the government that has the power to decide. It has the power to implement the necessary change to ensure the country has a fair and equitable society. When accusations of corruption are targeted at the Prime Minister’s most trusted men, the need to ensure the press is free to perform its role is even more urgent.

Corruption is a strong indicator of the poor health of a democracy because it points to a political class that has become immoral, exempt from checks and failing its duty. Poor governance destroys democracy. Democracy is strengthened by a free press that facilitates greater transparency and accountability in governance, serves as a watchdog to stem corruption, provides a forum for multiple voices in public debate and highlights problems to guide policy agenda.

A free press is not a luxury. It isa necessity.

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