Journalism and the Erosion of Democracy: The Destruction of Neutrality

A few days ago, I shared my perspective on maintaining balance and refraining from fully aligning with any specific ideology. I strive to support whoever is doing the best work, regardless of labels. Today, I want to approach this subject through the lens of a journalist. Journalism is not merely a profession; it is a moral endeavor that upholds the public’s right to know the truth.


Neutrality and Journalism: A Lost Virtue

When a media organization and its employees abandon neutrality, they lose their purpose. Instead of informing, they become propagandists. Instead of presenting the truth, they impose agendas. A journalist’s job is to provide the public with the facts so they can form their own conclusions. Yet, in today’s world, many media outlets have either been purchased outright or ideologically hijacked.

Can a Journalist Sell Their Pen?

A true journalist would rather break their pen than sell it. However, since the early 2000s, I’ve observed many of my colleagues opting for early retirement. The reason? “Things are no longer the same,” they said. The world was becoming increasingly polarized, and to facilitate this, there was a need for ideologically compliant voices in the media.

A Lesson from History: The Power of Neutral Journalism

Consider the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, one of the golden moments in journalism. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two reporters, exposed political corruption involving then-President Richard Nixon. This investigation ultimately led to the first presidential resignation in U.S. history.

  • Such examples highlight journalism’s critical role in holding power accountable and protecting democracy.

  • Can we see similar courage today? Unfortunately, not as often.


Journalism in the Past: The Golden Age of Neutrality

Let me share a memory from a time when journalism was still an honorable profession. In 1994, I was working at a news channel in Turkey. My job was to rewrite and prepare news stories from agencies for the evening broadcast.

One day, a sports anchor threw a news file on the floor, saying:
“No, I won’t read this story just because the minister wants it this way! One day, the political winds will shift, and a new government will come to power. How will I look those I criticized in the eye then? If you want it read this way, you read it yourself. I refuse to praise or criticize anyone. Rewrite the story neutrally, or I won’t read it tonight!”

This bold stance came from an ordinary news anchor—not a high-ranking figure at the channel, not someone who could afford to take career risks lightly. Back then, true democracy and genuine workers’ rights prevailed.

Where Are We Now?

This story points to an era when neutrality in the media was achievable. Today, however, social media algorithms ensure that people only see news reinforcing their beliefs. This shift has eroded critical thinking, replacing it with blind allegiance. The once-liberated press is now trapped in a cycle of clickbait and ideological conformity.


A Psychological Perspective: Those Who Constantly Speak of Democracy

Human psychology has an interesting quirk: when someone constantly brings up a subject, it often reveals their insecurities about it. Those who harp on honor and dignity often struggle with these concepts themselves. People who endlessly talk about the evils of alcohol or drugs are often battling addiction or its consequences.

What about today? The word “democracy” is everywhere. “This is a threat to our democracy,” they say. But upon closer inspection, their concept of democracy is merely a tool for perpetuating and advancing their own ideology. We have reached a point where we can no longer speak freely because every word we utter is perceived as a threat to someone’s version of democracy.


Grooming Scandals: A Media Failure

Neutral journalism is not just about reporting events; it is about bringing essential issues to light. Yet the grooming scandals in the United Kingdom reveal how the media’s silence can be just as damaging as misinformation.

For years, grooming gangs preyed on thousands of young girls across the country. Despite the scale of the abuse, many media outlets either ignored the stories or downplayed their significance.

Why Did the Media Stay Silent?

  • Political Correctness: Media organizations feared that covering these incidents might lead to accusations of racism or Islamophobia.

  • Agenda Setting: Instead of focusing on the victims and the systemic failures that allowed such abuse, the media prioritized less controversial narratives.

The Consequences:

This silence did more than undermine journalistic integrity—it betrayed the victims. A media organization’s role is to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. By ignoring these scandals, the media failed in its duty to protect the vulnerable and shine a light on societal injustices.


How Many Courageous Journalists Remain Today?

In this oppressive climate, courageous journalists are rare. In a society where speaking out leads to imprisonment or labels like “phobic,” “fascist,” or “Nazi,” what can a journalist write?

  • The Erosion of Freedom: People are unable to express their opinions openly. Intellectual debates have been replaced by cancel culture and public shaming.

  • The Transformation of the Press: The media, once dedicated to pursuing the truth, has become a propaganda machine serving specific agendas.

What Can Be Done?

  • Support Independent Media: Shift reliance away from corporate media to platforms practicing genuine journalism.

  • Improve Media Literacy: Verify information and question everything you read or hear.


Break Your Pen, But Never Sell It!

Veteran journalists once advised me: “Report the news but don’t become the news. If necessary, break your pen, but never sell it. And above all, remain impartial.” These words have never been more relevant. In an era where the press manipulates rather than informs, neutrality is not a luxury but a necessity.

Democracy is not just about the right to vote; it is about the right to know. When journalists fall silent, the people are silenced. Therefore, no matter how difficult it is, we must never stop speaking the truth or striving for impartiality.

True journalism is not only about seeking the truth but also about having the courage to defend it.

Victoria Toumit

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