In recent years there has been much debate about the freedom and responsibility of the press. Many reporters have targeted in wars and have been imprisoned under authoritarian governments around the world. Legislation criminalising protest has also been seen to threaten the freedom of the press.
The freedom of the press, which is celebrated in World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, has also been tested financially. Newspapers and television stations have been weakened by the preference of readers and advertisers for online publications and social media. They have laid off reporters, a development likely to be intensified by the reliance on AI. These developments limit the capacity of the Press to research complex issues and to report abuse by governments and corporations.
The growth of social media and of popular preference for it as a source of news has also meant that people can limit their reading to reports that support their convictions. Such reporting can be tendentious and unsubstantiated. It also leads to polarisation in society and to a cynical lack of respect for truth.
SHARE WITH GENTLENESS
Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Social Communications (1 June) grounds his reflection on these trends in communication by meditating on a line from the First Letter of St Peter: ‘Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts’. When seen in this light communication will not be violent. Instead of arming people for battle it will be disarming, will promote mutual understanding, explain differences, and avoid aggravating anger or suspicion. It will not be about competition or trying to dominate and cancelling people who hold different positions. It will promote communities by embracing difference, and not by trying to eradicate those who are different.
In his meditation Pope Francis appeals to the face of Christ as the source of our hope as Christians. We know that his way of love and of truth led to his death. But his path to death was followed by his rising and his promise that for us, too, life will overcome death. Even at times when many people give up on truth, and we are tempted to despair at the state of the world, Christ calls us to hope.
SHARE HOPE
St Peter’s Letter also encourages us to share our hope. We do this more through our lives than through our words. In the face of a culture marked by rage and by cancelling people our sharing of hope will be gentle. We shall try to show a better way and commend the attractiveness of seeking truth. This is ultimately more effective than attempting to destroy people who do not share our beliefs and attitudes.
This form of communication is based in reverence for others as persons each of whom is precious in God’s eyes. Reverence for persons also leads us to respect the truth of the world and of our relationships as human beings. Communication is about sharing in the search for truth with others. It is about building a community of hope that is conspicuous for mutual respect and a shared desire to make the world a better place.
When seen from this perspective the freedom of the press is vital in two ways. First, it asserts the freedom and duty of the press to seek and to report the truth. If reporters are prevented from publicising what needs to be changed in society many people will suffer.
Second, the freedom of the press is also vital because of its capacity to contribute to a world in which people relate to others with honesty and respect. Its freedom confers a responsibility.