We can get knowledge from news, but some people think we can’t trust the journalist. Discuss and give your opinion. What do you think are the important qualities that a journalist should have?

We can get knowledge from news, but some people think we can’t trust the journalist. Discuss and give your opinion. What do you think are the important qualities that a journalist should have?

In the modern era, news plays a major role in spreading information, but some believe that trusting journalists is not possible, while others dissent.This essay will discuss both views and highlight essential qualities that news reporters are expected to demonstrate.

There are valid reasons for people doubting  reporters. In some cases, media houses prioritize viewership and profit over accuracy, leading to distorted reporting. Additionally, some news professionals may be driven by political, or corporate interests, resulting in biased reporting. The rise of misinformation, especially in the digital era, has  further damaged the credibility of journalism, making it difficult for the general public to distinguish between factual and misleading news.

However, these allegations are not true in a majority of cases, for several newsmen and women have been complying with the tenets of ethical reporting, wherein they tend to delve deeper into any event and investigate exhaustively before presenting news to the general populace, and never compromise with their principles. This can be clearly evidenced by constant job switching by reputed correspondents who are shown the door by the media owners for not surrendering to their whims.  

An ideal journalist should be akin to being closely connected to the fundamentals of this strategically sensitive profession to uphold credibility: accountability for their work and willingness to correct their mistakes. For instance, while reporting during Covid, pandemic  2020, many renowned newspersons from the New York Times, admitting citing unsolicited numbers of deaths due to infection, issued not only apologies but also republished the whole report.   

In my opinion, although there are legitimate concerns about the trustworthiness of newspersons, most remain committed to the principles such as accuracy, honesty, accountability and integrity, except a few non-adhering professionals falling prey to temptation of fame and fortune. 

We can get knowledge from news, but some people think we can’t trust the journalist. Discuss and give your opinion. What do you think is the important qualities that a journalist should have?

We can get knowledge from news, but some people think we can’t trust the journalist. Discuss and give your opinion. What do you think is the important qualities that a journalist should have? 

Can we trust journalists? 

Yes

·         Barring a few, most are devoted to this noble task, they never let any kind of inducement interfere with their professional objectives. 

·         They risk not on their but also the lives of their family members 

No  

·         There have been cases, although rare, infrequent, sporadic which have cast a doubt on the sanctity of this profession. Some people are stimulated by commercial compulsions: viewership and readership ratings 

·         Political correctness has also had a corrupting influence on them. They are driven by the majority opinion. They avoid derision and indignation of the masses and their fraternity  

·         influence of elite and powerful who reward them for the

Qualities 

·         Unbiased, impartial 

·         Non-judgemental 

·         Emphatic - must practice self censure to avoid presenting news  in such way that could cause social discord 

·         Fear less 

·         Incorruptible 

·         Good communicator 

·         Having knowledge of the subject, they are presenting reports about  

Of late, news reporters are losing their followers due to many being lured into misreporting, by virtue of certain inducements. I shall be elaborating this  and the contra view on this issue and also share some inputs on ideal traits of a reporter.43

Although in small numbers, some harbor suspicions towards the intentions of correspondents, who they allege adopting a partisan  attitude towards certain people: influential and elite, and try to manipulate the news to favor the latter. There have been instances where some reporters have resorted to presenting edited and distorted information to benefit those, flooding them with monetary resources and other facilities. 

Nevertheless, those vouching for the journalists profess that the public indignation invited upon for these people is unjust. It is not these scribes who are swayed by inducements, but the media houses that engage  them. It is a grim reality that most of the news presenting agencies are owned by industry moguls who want reporting in their favor, whereas, reporters are always at odds with their employers. This can be elucidated by the fact that most of these professionals keep hopping jobs in search of an  establishment that is guided  by true virtues  of journalism.

Journalists have always relied upon their transparent and non-judgemental attitude towards work. They are rarely driven by any inducements, and instead the goal of presenting unbiased inputs to the masses has always been their stimulus. Similarly, their fearlessness is an ideal for many, where they are prepared to jeopardize not only their but also the safety of their nears and dears. 

Overall, controversies apart, a few exceptions are incapable of tarnishing the image of this noble occupation, where those engaged in reporting face several perils and hazards to fulfill their professional obligations.