By Muhammad Akindele
Journalism to some people may seem to be annoying, because they think it focuses on negativity. Not only that, some people think that their privacy is being interrupted during interviews with journalists. However, others perceived it as an integral part of our democracy
Journalism has been defined by Wikipedia “as the production and distribution of reports on the interaction of events, facts, ideas, and people that are the ‘news of the day’ and that informs society to at least some degree of accuracy.”
Some key ideas can be deduced from the definition above. One benefit of journalism is that it puts readers in the thick of decision-making and helps them comprehend the world around them. Through the gathering of ideas and events, journalism will provide impartial, factual information that will help readers grasp the circumstances around the occurrences and any potential ramifications.
Furthermore, journalism gives voice to the people whose voice would not otherwise have been heard. Through interviewing people, journalism has created an avenue for people whose voice would not have been heard in public discussion. For example, people living with disabilities, poverty, and rural areas can now be seen and heard in print and non media all because of journalism.
Moreso, how journalism has, over time, held those in power accountable by exposing corruption of public officials, abuse of power, crimes, and so on, could not be overemphasized. Through investigative journalism, many cases of corruption by the government in different parastatals and individuals have been exposed.
Journalism is not a crime, while journalists should not be your enemy. We neither criticize, nor do we discredit. But we are just performing our duty as watchdogs by righting the wrong, wronging the wrong and making amend to the wrong doer.
Journalism is a source of wisdom, it serves as a source of information, inspiration and education. We should all embrace it and feel the change it has come to settle.