LOCAL journalists were once again being reminded of their ‘watchdog’ role, in keeping the government accountable in the fight against corruption.
Head of the University of South Pacific (USP) Journalism School, Dr Shailendra Singh told the journalists, in an Anti-Corruption Reporting Workshop in Honiara, Monday.
He said, the role of Journalists’ is important to keep people informed, primarily, to keep the government accountable.
“The priority is scrutinising the government,” said the regional media specialist, although he added that the private sector and civil society organisations are also prone to corruption.
“People need to be informed to be able to analyse government’s performance, because we have elections every 4-5 years.
“And, people need to be fairly informed, to be able to make a right choice,” he said.
Dr Singh further explained that, if people are informed of the government’s conduct or policy, they can vote the government out or keep it in power should they choose.
“That is why it is so important that we (media) scrutinize both the government conduct and policy on a regular basis.
“This is something we do constantly, but it is good to revisit and be reminded of our roles because we do this all the time, it can become a routine,” the lead facilitator told the Journalists.
The USP Senior Lecturer is firm that, this is how the news media as a ‘fourth estate’ uphold a country’s democratic system.
“So the news media is an important and a crucial pillar of democracy in any country. Without it, the government is no longer as accountable to the people.
“Without the news media, the government does not feel as accountable to the people. The government can act with impunity, and indulge in corruption more freely.”
The local journalists were also being told to be vigilant all the time, and they have to be reporting corruption all the time as their role is crucial in a representative democracy and they should not under-estimate that.
“So do not under-estimate your role. You get a lot of criticism, in the course of your work.
“People you question will criticise you, and they will also try to belittle you.
“So do not let them detract you, from this very important role,” Dr Singh told the journalists, during the four-day workshop.
He reminded the participants that they are the public’s representative, and without the media, the public is somewhat handicapped, in terms of the choices they make.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA