Information can either empower or destroy.It has the power to open or close doors .It is like food.The aftermath of eating overrides all arguments.It is what comes after swallowing that needs close interrogation.Just like diets,every society is in need of a special "diet" of information.This is what distinguishes societies.It is the dividing line among nations of people.This therefore begs the questions - how useful is media?Should business interests override professionalism?Is the public interest really of importance when regulating how media works?Should media be left to "shower" the public with any kind of information and "news"?Should media owners be held responsible for the aftermath of their "news"?
The public connects to each other and to authorities/governments through the media.It is a platform that brings these partners together.Its importance is therefore of great concern.Methinks this critical link shouldn't be left alone unregulated.It is high time we come together and interrogate the scope of operations of media.Public opinion and psychology is pegged on what they "swallow".And they don't swallow empty air!They "absorb" information!Their actions will automatically resonate on what is bubbling inside them.And this is information.This is "news".This is your normal television programs.Hence the call to interrogate the content.I'm not calling for closing down of media houses.I don't propose that governments should dictate what media houses splash to the public.I strongly support the independence of the media.This independence is what describes the collective conscience we share.
Look at this - patients are administered treatments depending on their ailments.You don't prescribe panadol, for instance, to a cancer patient!And this is the path our media has taken!Do you glorify division in a country suffering from effects of division or you preach more about unity?Do you give more publicity to warlords or those with the public interests in their hearts?Do you sanctify the urge to earn more by airing out any kind of "news"?Do business interests override the aspirations of the public?Should we justify this by the virtue of respecting and promoting freedom of information?
I think this is not the way to take.Some might say that acting on media will amount to infringing on their rights.But remember we are all connected by those rights.You've a right to hate somebody but when your hatred degenerates to violence it ceases to be a right!And somebody must act on you!Methinks this is the path we should take to bring sanity to media business!
Some say that media houses survive on "bad" news because they are sell-able!That this is the oxygen that keeps them moving.That without this most of them will close shop and leave.I don't buy this argument!It is a belief that the world has taken willingly.Hence the justification that media is a business venture.Yes,do your business.But remember your business has limits.You only play within the accepted confines.This therefore demands responsible reporting.Reporting that thinks.Reporting that appreciates the aspirations of the masses.Reporting that is selfless when in comes to safeguarding the public good.Reporting that believes public interests override business interests.This is the way.Yes indeed it is!Follow it!
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