Dear Editor,
With regards to recent comments about press freedom, democracy is no guarantor of press freedom but press freedom is a vital measurement to determine whether a country is democratic. A free unfettered press is good for a nation and officials should be open-minded and thick-skinned in welcoming critiques of themselves. A critique is an important aspect of a democratic tradition and tells the world about the health of democracy in that nation.
On this note, the views of others should not be censored (as long as they are not libellous) and people should not be gagged and thrown out of press rooms if their questions and comments upset government officials.
Those who seek “to tame” the press because they may be getting “bad or perceived biased press” should think again. In this age of the internet, restricting press freedom is a bad act because such an act lends itself easily to negative headlines around the world – giving the image that the country is an opponent of democracy. Journalists lend solidarity to one another regardless of whether the media is engaged in biased reporting. Thus, any official seeking to teach any media a lesson (through whatever means) should back off and seek instead to work with that media quietly to resolve any dispute.
Officials have to learn to accept critical commentaries about their actions and performances. It is good for themselves and good for the country because these critiques help them to become better leaders and provide the country with better policies.
The press should not kowtow to the dictates of any ruler but at the same time the press should report and comment fairly and objectively.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
