"A man asks his friend who worked as a journalist, 'What’s a journalist’s favorite type of music?''Press 'release'!' says the journalist.'How do you make a journalist stop talking?' the man asks again.'Give them a deadline!' the journalist replies.'What do you call a journalist without a deadline?' he added.'Unemployed!' the journalist respons calmly.""Press silencing, also known as media suppression, is a concerning trend observed in various regions around the world. Governments and regimes often employ tactics to restrict press freedom and control the narrative. On one side, they use existing media regulations to rein in independent journalism, for instance, in Vietnam, China, Russia, and Singapore—in Indonesia this happened during the New Order regime, media businesses require licenses, and journalists need press cards. This system can lead to self-censorship [the act of individuals or groups intentionally limiting their expression, often due to fear of repercussions. It occurs when people withhold information, opinions, or creative work to avoid conflict, punishment, or social backlash. In the context of media and journalism, self-censorship can lead to less robust reporting a narrower range of perspectives] and uneven competition [a situation where competitors or participants in a contest face unequal advantages or disadvantages. It implies that the playing field is not level]. Media licensing requirements allow the government to censor content that doesn’t align with its narrative or interests. Licensing grants authorities control over media outlets. They can deny licenses or revoke them, limiting the number of independent voices. With media suppression, journalists might refrain from reporting on sensitive topics or criticizing the government. Fear of repercussions can discourage investigative reporting. Journalists may avoid digging deep into corruption or controversial issues.On the other side, state-owned media coexisting with private media can create an unbalanced playing field, where independent outlets face restricted access to information and economic disadvantages," said Cananga while looking at a pillar called 'The Fourth Estate'. It refers to the press or media as a powerful and influential institution in society. It plays a critical role in democracy by acting as a check on the other three 'estates': the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Essentially, the Fourth Estate represents the media’s ability to inform, investigate, and hold those in power accountable."A branch of journalism in which reporters conduct in-depth investigations into specific topics of interest refers to Investigative journalism. These investigations often focus on serious crimes, government corruption, corporate misbehavior, or other critical issues. An investigative journalist may spend months or even years researching and writing a comprehensive report. It’s a vital form of reporting that aims to uncover hidden truths and hold powerful entities accountable.Investigative journalism, by its nature, is highly culture-specific, says David Leigh, one of Britain’s best-known investigative journalists. A lot of investigative work is about 'feel'—a sense of where to go in a particular society, at a particular moment, to find things out and get them successfully published. The right kind of mindset is what matters.Carrying out a journalistic investigation is like a children’s playground game called Blind Man’s Buff. One child is blindfolded and feels around, trying to catch hold of the others and identify them. Naturally, all the other targets do their best to dodge out of the way. It catches just how difficult decent investigative journalism is to do well, and just how brutal and blundering the power of the media can be when it’s done badly. You’re attacking other people, and frequently drawing blood.Yet when such journalism is carried out effectively, it is regarded as a glamorous activity—so glamorous to be a source of inspiration that the people who do it get to be played by movie stars like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in All the Presidents Men; Al Pacino in The Insider; Benedict Cumberbatch in The Fifth Estate; Mark Ruffalo in Spotlight.Investigative journalism in the public interest—the daily supply of truths about the world that would otherwise be hidden—only has a short history. The phenomenon originated largely in the nineteenth century, says Leigh. Thanks to the work of a later generation of writers, editors, and movie-makers—the Watergate generation—it went on to achieve an iconic status and became seen as the lifeblood of democracy itself.In about 1970s—more than 40 years ago—two young men brought down the then-president of the US, Richard Nixon. They exposed the fact that he had been running a crooked re-election campaign, using the full armory of the US administration to bribe, bug, and burgle his opponents—in short, to steal the election. That story went down in history as Watergate, after the name of a mundane Washington DC office building. A bungled break-in at the opposition Democrat campaign headquarters took place there, igniting the saga.On one hand, politicians and other powerful people who simply don’t believe in the usefulness of truth have learned to manipulate new online forms of mass media, conveying visceral messages that energize their supporters, even though those messages often consist of downright lies. At the same time, the professionals of the so-called mainstream media are targeted for volleys of abuse that delegitimize them. On the other hand, the 'post-truth' campaign, destroys factual journalism. Counter-cultural analysts and anarchists seek to demonstrate that just as history is only written by the victors, so the mainstream media newspapers are all only written to peddle a capitalist narrative.Leigh believes that investigative journalists are vital to a decent society. But the right tools to survive on the job need to be acquired. In the present century, this concept of truth-telling investigative journalism is under considerable threat. Government propagandists, repressive judges, corrupt officials, criminals, commercial bullies, and cynical tabloid proprietors— these people have always been the enemies of honest reporters, and their powers remain strong. But another hostile force is also growing. The idea of truth itself is under plausible attack.If you’re an investigative reporter, says Leigh, the world around does look gloomy sometimes. There are so many enemies, internal and external, who can seem arrayed against you. But the reality is not all dark. These can be marvelous times for journalists who want to stand up to power.While it is true that investigative journalism has many enemies, it also has some new friends. Some of the new friends of investigative journalists are philanthropists. Quite some rich people out there are nowadays tipping money into successful investigative non-profits. They may enable it to survive the current turbulent transition of the mass media from one shape to another. And even prosper.A form of investigative reporting that seeks to increase transparency and accountability of politicians, public figures, and institutions refers to Watchdog journalism. Journalists fact-check, interview, and research to bring greater transparency to issues or events. Their role involves gathering information about the actions of people in power and informing the public to hold elected officials accountable. By maintaining professional distance from those in power, watchdog journalists work independently and play a crucial role in democratic governance systems.The concept of watchdog journalism emerged as a fundamental component of democratic societies. It involves journalists fact-checking, investigating, and interviewing political and public figures to increase accountability. Over time, watchdog journalism has adapted to changing contexts, technological advancements, and shifts in public perception. Watchdog journalism continues to shape our understanding of truth, justice, and governance.Watchdog journalism and Investigative journalism share similarities but also have distinct characteristics. Watchdog Journalism's role is to monitor those in power (politicians, public figures, institutions) to increase transparency and accountability, by using methods of fact-checking, interviews, and research. Their purpose is to hold elected officials accountable by informing the public.Investigative Journalism's role is to monitor those in power (politicians, public figures, institutions) and goes beyond monitoring to uncover abuses of power, corruption, and hidden truths. Their purpose is to hold elected officials accountable by informing the public. While the Watchdog Journalism level generally operates as an independent monitor of power, Investigative Journalism performs a higher intensity of scrutiny, aiming for in-depth revelations. In summary, investigative journalism delves deeper, while watchdog journalism focuses on oversight and transparency.The term 'fourth estate' originated in medieval Europe, referring to the three traditional estates of society: the clergy, nobility, and commoners. The press was later recognized as a powerful force, akin to a watchdog, overseeing the other three estates. Its role in monitoring power, exposing corruption, and ensuring transparency led to its association with the term 'fourth estate.'And that’s the news about the news. But what happens if the watchdog doesn't bark? What happens is the public is left in the dark about and powerless against complex problems that overtake important national institutions. For example in Indonesia, few need reminders, even today, of the costs of the social crisis about almost 10 million Gen Z have no work or are unemployed.According to UNESCO, the role of journalists is crucial. It is through their work, their courage, and their perseverance that we can know what is happening across the planet. They work on the frontlines of our collective fight for the health of our planet and our struggle for livable lives.The climate and biodiversity crisis are not only affecting the environment and ecosystems but also impacting the lives of countless individuals worldwide. Their stories of turmoil and grief deserve to be known and shared. While not always picturesque, these narratives can even stir discomfort, yet it is through awareness that change becomes possible.When investigative journalism is not allowed, several implications arise. Investigative journalism holds powerful entities accountable by exposing corruption, abuse, and wrongdoing. Without it, those in power can act with impunity. Investigative reporting highlights hidden agendas, conflicts of interest, and unethical practices. When restricted, citizens remain uninformed about critical issues. Investigative journalism is essential for informed decision-making in a democratic society. Suppressing it weakens the democratic process. When journalists can’t investigate, public trust in the media declines. People may turn to unreliable sources or disengage altogether. Investigative reporting often drives reforms and improvements. Without it, progress stagnates. In summary, allowing investigative journalism is vital for a healthy, transparent society.Protecting journalists and media freedom is crucial for upholding democracy, human rights, and accountability. Journalism impacts lives, advances human rights, and holds the powerful accountable. Supporting independent media benefits us all.Citizens play a vital role in supporting media freedom. So, stay informed, engage with diverse news sources, seek out reliable, independent journalism, and be critical of misinformation and disinformation. Raise awareness about threats to press freedom, let’s recognize and appreciate their work in helping us shape a better future.We will continue our discussion in the next episode. Biidhnillah."Then Cananga hummed,And when you're gone, I feel incompleteSo, if you want the truthI just wanna be part of your symphonyWill you hold me tight and not let go? *)
Citations & References:
- David Leigh, Investigative Journalism: A Survival Guide, 2019, Palgrave Macmillan
- Dean Starkman, The Watchdog That Didn't Bark: The Financial Crisis and the Disappearance of Investigative Journalism, 2014, Columbia University Press
- UNESCO, Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis, unesco.org, retrieved on 21.05.2024
*) "Symphony" written by Anmar Malik, Ina Wroldsen, Jack Patterson & Steve Mac
