Dear Editor,
Your Editorial, captioned ‘Threats to Press Freedom” in the Friday, August 3, 2018 edition of the Stabroek News provided a balanced perspective on the state of the media, not only in Guyana, but the world as a whole. Few can deny that the media in Guyana, despite its several challenges, has to a fair extent lived up to its role as the ‘watchdog’ of society.
One indication of effective and balanced media coverage is when both sides of the political divide from time to time, are critical of the media.
The Stabroek News in particular, is deserving of credit in this regard and has over the years established itself as an independent newspaper, which to a significant degree, has gained the respect of the reading public.
As you mentioned in your editorial, the media is coming under severe attack in the United States where attempts are being made to undermine the credibility of some media outlets by President Donald Trump who has openly and consistently labelled news emanating from the CNN and other independent media outlets as ‘fake news’. Many journalists are being verbally harassed and in some instances denied access to media events hosted by the President. This situation, it has to be said, is not peculiar to the United States but obtains in several other countries, including Guyana.
The challenges notwithstanding, the media has a duty and responsibility to inform and educate the public in an impartial and objective manner. The pen, it is said, is mightier than the sword.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
