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
2nd para accepting that reporters cannot be trusted
3rd they can be trusted
Qualities
Even though journalism is considered to be a profession for those who are righteous, impartial and fearless, it is losing its reliability due to some going astray due to the allure created by commercial and financial inducements. However, many are steadfast about their view that those engaged in this occupation can still be relied upon. 55
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.
