Broadcasting corporations and newspaper conglomerates are targets of relentless criticism. Some detect a somewhat problematic link between the media and the setting of the policy agenda; others may be uncomfortable by the media’s ability to filter and frame issues. Commercial and political interests are often used to question the credibility of a particular medium.
Nonetheless, most individuals are avid media consumers.
The media is one of the main sources for both information and entertainment. It greatly influences public opinion which, in turn, helps to shape and change perceptions.
This factor has been exploited by both political decision-makers and commercial entities; the former use it to communicate policies and mobilise support for such initiatives and the latter are dependent on the media for publicity.
A free press is considered to be an essential feature of a democratic society. This is partly due to the role that the media has in scrutinising public affairs. The press thus becomes an unofficial watchdog which holds various entities accountable on behalf of the public.
In their line of work, journalists often expose cover-ups and scandals. They may find themselves on the front line reporting on atrocities and disasters as they unfold. Sometimes, the uncovering of such stories comes at a huge personal cost.
High profile murders, such as those of Anna Politkovskaya and Carlo Tresca, are directly linked to their profession. Politkovskaya, a human rights activist, journalist and critic of President Vladimir Putin, was assassinated in 2006. The persons who ordered her assassination were never apprehended. Tresca was killed by a Mafia gunman in 1943.
These cases highlight the fact that war zones are not the only hostile territory for journalists. Some statistics published by the Committee to Protect Journalists prove the foregoing point.
At the time of writing, 1,074 journalists have been killed since 1992; 80 of them were murdered this year.
Free speech is paramount; however, the letter of the law cannot be used as an excuse to break its spirit
Only 38 per cent of murdered journalists covered wars and conflicts. The rest covered a variety of topics including politics (45 per cent), human rights (20 per cent), corruption (22 per cent), crime (17 per cent), culture (13 per cent), business (seven per cent) and sport (five per cent).
Apart from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia, a significant number of journalists have been killed in the Philippines, Russia, Pakistan, Colombia, India, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey and Tajikistan
A large number of journalists practise their profession under constant threat and intimidation. Journalists in Syria and Iraq have been rounded up and captured. In some cases they are used as hostages to extort huge sums of money.
The murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff are recent reminders of a much wider worrying trend. These murders showcase the violent and depraved nature of the extremist groups operating in the region. Their case follows that of Daniel Pearl and Nick Berg who were also decapitated by Islamist groups.
As non-combatants, journalists and relief workers may find themselves being targets of such groups. Such murders are particularly poignant since they seem to strike at the heart of a number of core universal values: the value of life, the right to free speech and the protection of the life and security of individuals as they practise their profession. They are used as vehicles to communicate terror and instil fear.
The advent of social media has enabled all individuals to become content creators; in some cases amassing a large audience. This medium is an effective tool for activists, NGOs, citizens and consumers. Unfortunately, terrorist groups are making use of such tools for their own sinister ends.
In their view, the role of journalists and reporters has become redundant because they are no longer needed to help them spread their message.
In the wake of such murders, various social media sites have deleted the accounts of individuals who post or share such images. Free speech is paramount; however, the letter of the law cannot be used as an excuse to break its spirit.
There is a danger that, with such murders, most of the focus remains on the terrible human tragedy and on the gruesome act itself.
These murders are symptomatic of a wider and deeper problem. In this respect, journalists also have a duty to raise some questions.
Despite the threats journalists face, being silenced through fear is not an option worth contemplating. This attitude is best summed up on the poignant tribute published by Sotloff’s family: “this week we mourn but we will emerge from this ordeal. We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the sole weapon they possess – fear.”
andre.deb@gmail.com