WORKERS of the media are usually behind the news, not in the news. Within recent weeks, the media has come under attention from various quarters and for various reasons. All and sundry have weighed in on the media; its role, perceived or real; and its value to society, which is a positive sign and is essential to democracy. 
President David Granger, in his address to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in April, advised that his government would not interfere in the work of the media. He also shared with media workers the history of the media in the society, its role, ownership over time, and his views on the state-owned media.

As the media landscape in Guyana continues to evolve, inclusive of having an increasing presence of those privately-owned, the arena has become more diverse and competitive to carve a niche, get the news to the public in a timely manner, and meet public expectations. For instance, traditional media, particularly print, is now jostling with online news outlets that have the advantage of reporting almost instantaneously; and to meet this demand, it has incorporated similar coverage in its online edition.

In this new media landscape, journalists would admit that risks and advantages keep their adrenalin flowing, and it is worth the time spent chasing the story in spite of any downside, potential or actual.

On May 17th last, journalist Leroy Smith was allegedly assaulted by a police constable while trying to cover the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. Smith was in the presence of other media operatives, who saw what took place in the encounter with him and the police. He was briefly detained, and the matter was taken up by the GPA and the Police Office of Professional Responsibility.

Last Friday, reporters Kurt Campbell and Iva Wharton were shot at while pursuing a person who had allegedly been engaged in a robbery. In spite of these incidents, all three reporters continue to work.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon last month slapped Kaieteur News with a letter for its coverage of stories relating to his China trip and role in the matter between the Guyana Revenue Authority and the BaiShanLin. The newspaper was given a 24-hour ultimatum within which it had to apologise, offer a retraction of the stories, pay a stipulated sum to an identified organization, or face a libel suit.

While it is fair to say that journalists are not monolithic in their focus, are not above the law or ethical practices, it must be remembered that they are there to bring the news to the people. It is also acknowledged that not all journalists are apolitical, or will suppress their political view/slant in going after or covering a story.

These factors notwithstanding, it should not be expected that journalists would turn away from a good story, ignore the clamour of society to pursue a story, or absolve themselves from the responsibility of being the intermediary between the makers of the news and the receivers of the news.

Yet journalists can recount the stories of those who once welcomed them going after a story because it was considered in the public good now turning around and taking offence when they are placed in what they consider to be the hot seat. News-makers who once could not stand the presence of some journalists, or evicted them from their pressers, today find them useful mediums to coverage their side of the story. This is not an uncommon feature in the profession, though it is often ignored that professional journalists are interested in going after a story considered worthy to the public good and in the public’s interest.

It is true that at times persons at the centre of a story would be offended, but their being offended is not cause for carrying or not carrying a story, and this often projects the impression that there is something to hide.

There was a time in the society when sections of the media were denied Government advertisements as a measure to punish them for executing their role. Non-governmental organisations have been pressured to withdraw advertisements. On the other spectrum, the media, more particularly state, have been used to engage in practices — financial and reportage — that do disservice to the journalistic profession, the institution and society. The present parties in Government, when in Opposition, withheld budgetary allocations to the state-owned media out of concern for what they described as the politicisation of this medium and denial of access to the opposition.

The society can recall the disturbing conversation of a former Attorney General about the Kaieteur News, its publisher and workers; the attacks on its building and workers, including loss of lives. It is the general view that that newspaper was targeted for its assertive reportage and exposes. Last Saturday, a grenade was thrown at its building, where staff was gathered for a wake held in honour of Senior Reporter and Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, whose death is a great loss to the media fraternity. It is encouraging to see that the publisher and workers have not been cowed by this threat, and continue their service to society.

The bottom line is that there remains a role for the media in society. As the fourth estate, the media has a duty to not only report what is considered good news, or news that put people in a favourable light, but to report what is happening in society, covering all angles where possible, and following-up when deemed necessary. The society, more particularly the masses, count on the media to be their watch-dog and bring the news to them unvarnished and as it occurs.

And where media workers commit to do likewise, notwithstanding the risks, the job is worth the while.