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When I speak with international college students about the media in their countries they often talk of how their governments control and suppress news and media information. Despite this, what I find most interesting is their attitude; they simply accept this reality. There are some people who buck this trend. For example, in an opinion article on the Media and Democracy in the New York Times by Yavuz Baydar, instead of accepting the reality of media control he questioned the relationship between the media, the government, and corrupt mega businesses, specifically in Turkey. He questioned where media ethics had gone or even if ethics still remained. The irony of his diatribe is that even though he may not agree with what he sees, and experiences, he can voice an opinion. Even further, the media actually published his viewpoint. What he failed to realize is the number of journalists who have lost their lives during the past year just trying to express their perspective. According to Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) 67 journalists died in 2012, and 2013 will certainly show an increase in that number.
Expressing your ‘voice’ is a risk in many parts of the world and in many situations. Those who offer their viewpoint about the balance of media with governments and mega businesses challenge the ethics of accountability, objectivity, and accuracy. I tend to have a level of reasonable acceptance. However, freedom is not free and individuals have to challenge the sources of powers that control the media. Similar to Mr. Baydar, when you can’t get the news and information via one source we need to seek alternate options. The question is: How many of us would be willing to ferret out perceived unknown truths and be courageous enough to take a stand to have their voice heard in the media? And does the desire to speak up become part of our own personal ethical standard or standard that we are taught?
Yavuz Baydar, How Media Bosses Undermine Democracy, New York Times, SR. Sunday July 21, 2013, p. 4.
