There are various schools of thought on whether so-called citizen journalism is good or bad. Some say it widens the dissemination of information. Others complain it only serves for fake news to spread like wildfire.
In journalism, fact is sacred and comment is free but both are essential ingredients in a well-written article, provided a clear distinction is made. The same can apply to professional and citizen journalism. Citizen journalism can have a very useful function if it serves as an extension of the eyes and ears of professional journalists. News gathering and, especially, confirming its authenticity, is no mean feat. It takes time and energy and can also involve an element of personal risk to the professional journalist working on a story.
The job becomes even more difficult, and dangerous when dealing with sensitive issues, in a small and tightly-knit society like Malta, where, as was only pointed out recently, omertà – the code of silence – is practised at both a national and local level.
Journalists accepted such risks as hazards of the trade until the unthinkable happened exactly a week ago. Journalist/blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia paid with her life for doing her job to the best of her ability and without fear or favour.
Journalists from all media houses on the island got together in Valletta on Thursday to collectively condemn “this barbaric act which not only destroyed the life of a journalist colleague but tried to stifle the right to freedom of expression… This is one of the most despicable acts ever carried out in this country. Nobody deserves to die for exercising their right to speak.”
But the silent march was not only meant to express outrage. Maltese journalists wanted also to make a public pledge: “We stand here today to give hope to society. This attack on one of us will not stop us from shining a light where others want darkness, the attack on one of us will not muzzle us, the attack on one of us will not stop us from fulfilling our role as a watchdog to the institutions. We will stand up to intimidation, whoever it’s coming from.
“We are sure this country’s citizens understand the importance of upholding and promoting a free and open press.
“Yes, we will keep calling for investigative journalism but we reiterate – it is the authorities’ responsibility to help promote press freedom, to provide access to information and to stop tolerating incitement against a free media. Ultimately, this is about the rule of law.”
They also had something to say to those behind the attack: “Our message is one and clear: we will not stop. We will not be afraid.”
Journalists are resolute: we will not succumb. But we cannot stand alone in this. The attack on Ms Caruana Galizia, on journalism, on freedom of expression, on the rule of law, on truth itself is also an assault on society, on the people, on each and every individual’s right to express themselves and to be heard.
We journalists are, therefore, making an appeal for the public to support professional, serious journalism, to stand up to be counted.
It is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the positive side of citizen journalism and prove that, indeed, the pen conquers fear.