It’s all over the News. President Trump’s treatment of Jim Acosta, a CNN journalist, at yesterday’s post-election news conference was a chilling sign of the times. A disregard, even a loathing, of the media by politicians (and vice versa) is a healthy sign, but when it gets to this level, with fair questions being ignored and personal attacks by a public figure on individual journalists becoming the norm (including, in this case, subsequently accusing the journalist of assault), we all need to sit up and take notice.
We need to fight to protect a system where our democratically-elected representatives, our business leaders, our religious leaders and anyone else who claims to have a public role in society allow themselves and their activities to be scrutinised by the media. Without the media and its journalists, there is no one else who can continue to push, probe and ask the tough questions that should be asked.
There is a glimmer of hope here. You will notice from this video clip that, once Acosta has been shredded and effectively silenced by the bully boy tactics of the most powerful man in the world, Peter Alexander, another member of the press corps, attempts to defend his fellow hack. Good for him! He too is shouted down, of course, but at least he tried to stand up for what is right. Unless the media does more of this, and journalists stand together against unacceptable treatment, the power of the media as a whole is going to be severely and permanently damaged. Never has it been more important for us to have an independent, well-informed, unbiased and investigative media to call out behaviour that is unacceptable and, especially, to protect those who are finding that they no longer have a voice in the debate. This means continuing to support good quality journalism, by subscribing to newspapers. and by recognising that “free” newspaper and website journalism are being paid for by someone. And most importantly by recognising that our journalists are doing a difficult job in unbelievably tough circumstances – and to be grateful that there are still talented people who are still prepared to do the job.