By Paul Kokoski
On May 3 we celebrate World Press Freedom Day.
The fundamental moral requirement of all communication is respect for and service of the truth. By accurately reporting events and correctly explaining issues, the media have a strict duty to foster justice and solidarity in human relationships at all levels of society.
The media serve freedom by serving truth; they obstruct freedom to the extent that they depart from what is true by disseminating falsehoods or creating a climate of unsound emotional reaction to events. Only when people have free access to true and sufficient information can they pursue the common good and hold public authority accountable. If the media are to serve freedom, they themselves must be free and correctly use that freedom. Their privileged status obliges the media to rise above purely commercial concerns and serve society’s true needs and interests.
The communications media are key actors in today’s world, and they have an immense role to play in building that trust. Their power is such that in a few short days they can create the positive or negative public reaction to events which suits their purposes. Reasonable people will realize that such enormous power calls for the highest standards of commitment to truth and goodness.
With respectful and cordial best wishes, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Paul Kokoski.
*Kokoski is a Canadian native, residing in Canada.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the management and staff of Dominica News Online and its parent company.
Oh Boy ,there you go again, with that word “moral” ( remember your “moral law”? Ha,ha,ha,ha.)….and equating it with fundamental requirements of communication…..Look here Sir,The Media has an obligation to report events truthfully, fairly and accurately.Period!. And in doing so,people formulate their own opinions,based upon the information provided to them via the media. Its roll also is to inform. Accurate information is critical. Media does not have a strict duty to foster justice and solidarity in human relationships….that is nonsense!. That is not the Media’s job.
Media should not dissect ,which can lead to distortion and bias….Report as is,not dilute,which would be bad Media. However i agree with your second paragraph wholeheartedly.That is my case in point…Remember,there is a gaping hiatus between what is,and what might be.
The Media, is all the means of communication such as Newspapers,Radio,and TV. And yes they can build trust, only and i say only if they are fair,balance,and accurate…That is why Investigative Reporters and journalists are so important.
As a result of the Free and Democratic society which we live in,we have Freedom of the Press. It is my friend,a privilege that should never be abused. Hence the relentless commitment to pursue Truth.
Happy World Press Freedom Day my friend, with a commitment to accuracy and excellence.
Peace Profound!!!!!!!!!!!!.