Dearth Of Information In Contemporary World
Ridwanullah Olarewaju Muritala@muritalaridwanullaholarewaju708895
6 months ago
DEARTH OF INFORMATION
Happenings are said to be the resultant effects of human social interaction with nature and his like beings. In one way or the other, they tend to contribute either directly or indirectly to their physical vicinity. Undoubtedly, sociality has proven, over time, to be an immutable function of man's personality. While corresponding with the stark reality, however, the imminence of clashes of interest is inescapable due to the variegated subjective inclination of individual. This picturises the perfect stance of man in relation to his society. Thus, human being, a social animal that he is, tends to be enthusiastic and curious to know what is happening around him either good or otherwise. In essence, he intuitively gravitates to procure information to hold an opinion be it personal or public. Simply put, information is a constant consumption of man aside food. For some purposes, information will be elevated to food in this treatise. Hence, this, among others, forms the fulcrum that necessitated the emergence of journalism.
However, given the obnoxious reel that captured the status quo of journalism in recent time, it is quite not paradoxical to say that the institution has gone bankrupt information—wise. In reality, there are constellation of functional media houses that are dutiful with dissemination of news across board but the substance is largely skewed with compromise and propaganda. So inedible to be so called “information” that man needs for sustenance. There are myriads of testament which exemplified the daunting domineering influence of religion and politics on journalism. With its infamous subscription to social relation and interaction, it is not in doubt that there are professional approaches to the execution of this duties. But, ultimately, when the essence of journalism is jettisoned for no reason, it is likely to teeter on the verge of nonexistence. Information is very crucial because people needs to know what is going on to form public opinions that will affect their private lives. Should that which they digested as information seems to be untrue, there is no fault on them should they withdraw allegiance to the institution.
Going down the history lane, journalism started as an agent of government authority. They relayed the inside information about the operation of government to the people. Albeit, this was commonly done orally by messengers or town criers as the case may be prior to the invention of printing press. It is no doubt that the annexation of this institution to those authority in power inhibited the ethics and autonomy of journalism because of their unavoidable affiliation to the government. Information sourced therefrom will always be smack of speculations and sensationalism. Later on, revolution born of natural school which its universal influence, took a step in to change the paradigm shift of the institution. It created a level ground for competition. Private individual are licensed to operate freely without clutches. It is believed that freedom of speech and expression is a God given rights. But does that have positive effects whatsoever?
Journalism in this contemporary time has lost its essence and purposes. Perhaps, due to belligerent manoeuver and immoral schemes deployed by the authority to interfere in the editorial in a bid to distort or conceal relevant information for public consumption. This is so because these phantoms, who cherished public opinions, haunted and silenced those who stood against them among the astute journalists. It is a shame to know that some stations have given in to their theatrical subjugation which subsequently reduce them to a mere PR institution which is known for a particular agenda and cause. Most especially, with the unbridled economic freedom granted to the bourgeois to establish as much as they so desire. Information is as much as important to them like money. They go extra length to do whatever it takes. Alas! those media houses have relieved themselves of the ethical neutrality of journalism. They became pliant puppets who fawn to show loyalty and support for sponsorship. So much to be considered as a pawn on the chessboard of the politicians. They are now instrument of political vendetta. They represent no journalism!
The ethical needs of journalism is to be neutral in the course of their dispensation. So as to reflect the transparency, accountability, altruism and professionalism which is expected of them in their dealing. However, in this era, there is no show that they are ready to subscribe to these ethos and virtues.
Ironical enough, the most informed in this recent dispensation of journalism are the most misinformed. Thus, they are regarded, legally speaking, uninformed ab initio. The conspiracy wired by the media is otherworldly. They broadcast news that suit their inclination and cause.
This is not to say that there are no media houses that portray the ethical standards of journalism but they are close to none. Likewise, this is not a crusade against journalism but against the alter idem. Also, there is a prospect in journalism in the emergence of social media but its abuses may counter the utility.
Ultimately, this is an appeal to all journalists to stick with, and abide by the truth because that is what they represent. They are the cook of information which the masses need for survival and sustenance. They must not betray that trust.
MURITALA, Ridwanullah Olarewaju.
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