“A newspaper’s first duty is to the truth” – Arthur Brisbane. This saying highlights the responsibility of media outlets and journalists to verify information and present facts to their audiences in performing their journalistic duties.
However, in this contemporary digital age, journalism has become a catalyst for mere publicity or propaganda rather than a genuine dedication to factual accuracy and investigative rigor. The days of legitimate journalism, where news items were scrutinized for accuracy and credibility, have been compromised by the allure of sensationalism and the influence of biased agendas.
It is disheartening and unfortunate how some renowned media houses, which are supposed to be the source of fact-checking for news enthusiasts like me, have become victims of irresponsible journalism.
An example is the controversy surrounding Chef Smith’s cook-a-thon, which saw some renowned media outlets reporting that Chef Smith had broken the record for the longest cooking time. It ended in disappointment to learn that it was false, as confirmed by Guinness World Records (GWR). This brouhaha highlights a troubling trend of irresponsible journalism, where some media outlets neglect to fact-check for accuracy and credibility before disseminating news. This erroneous reportage not only misled the public and damaged Chef Smith’s reputation but also undermined trust in the media.
The issue of misinformation by media outlets is not a sporadic occurrence; rather, it has become a pervasive and persistent problem. This long-standing practice of sharing false information calls into question journalism’s integrity and credibility, raising serious doubts about public confidence in the media.
Ultimately, upholding Brisbane’s assertion necessitates a shared commitment to truth-seeking and ethical reporting. This allows media outlets to retake their role as reliable sources of information providers and protectors of democratic principles in an increasingly interconnected world. Accuracy is a must and should not be seen as just a professional obligation but a fundamental requirement to protect the integrity of the profession. We owe it to our profession to uphold its ethical standards and integrity. As consumers of news, we must also exercise discernment and critical thinking when encountering information, especially sensationalized reports.
By Hinson Joshua
