Development Journalism

I think that in theory, Development Journalism seems like a good idea, but in practice is ultimately more damaging to a people than anything. In class, we discussed the positive aspects of Development Journalism; it promotes national media; it pays attention to the humanitarian needs of the population; and it preserves the “national identity” and “national values” of a country.

         I think it is important for there to be a balance within the media. I do believe the news should focus on the humanitarian needs of the population; however, to maintain balance, the media should have the right to report freely and truthfully about everything, including the government. In order for a people to truly be educated and understand the world around them, free journalism has to be the only form of media.

News outlets controlled but the government will always be skewed or slanted to show itself in only a positive way and disregard any problems with the system. That is a disservice to the people, who the media is really intended for. Medias was not created to be a puppet that only spews out government approved information; it is there to enlighten the general public. This is not to say that everything the media reports should be attacking the government or constantly criticizing everything the government does. This only means that media should be able to truthfully and objectively report on current events, whether they are of a political, social, or economic nature. Media should act as a check on the government. It is in place to make sure the government knows that if something is wrong the people will know about it and if something is right the people will also know about it. That is why the government should not have the right to own media under any circumstances.