Open, free communication is essential for all of us. That doesn’t mean we all must agree, it means we all have access to honest, accurate information to make informed decisions. That’s where credible journalism comes in. It’s also where the horrific death of Charlie Kirk comes in.
This week’s events with ABC have me still trying to wrap my head around how a national media outlet is being bullied into acquiescence yet again. Charlie Kirk believed in civil discourse and the freedom of speech. A right as Americans, as this country’s first leaders created our Constitution. That right comes with the First Amendment – read that again, the FIRST Amendment. It isn’t buried deep among the many doctrines of our Constitution, but right up front.
While I don’t agree with all Charlie Kirk had to say, I can say he lived this freedom fully, as we all should. He fully embraced open dialogue and discussion. The very foundation that Charlie Kirk stood on, the First Amendment, is being contradicted by the U.S. Administration and its leaders. He must be shaking his head in heaven. This administration is trying to snuff out our right to free speech. Are we to stand by and watch? Are we expected to stand by as our access to information is compromised? I find that incredibly scary as this newest government influence plays out.
As a communicator for the last 40 years, it has been my job to tell stories, share information on issues and bring awareness to initiatives that impact young and old people on a myriad of topics. I uphold a Code of Ethics and believe we have a social responsibility to honest, accurate and transparent communication. I work closely with journalists to ensure they uphold their civic duty, too. Until the rise of the Internet, that was done through credible publications and news outlets where journalists provided perspective, insight and the facts. Social media has bred an uncontrolled, often censored, portal for anyone to spread their opinions or to pass along opinions, not always steeped in factual data.
This is where I’m most concerned about what is happening with our media today. They are afraid to present the facts, in fear of hurting an ego and the ramifications that will impact their businesses. Yes, media is a business, whether we like it or not. Yet, that doesn’t mean solid journalism cannot exist amidst that structure. I’m not naive enough to believe all outlets that call themselves “news” are true journalists. I find these programs lean toward entertainment, opinion and sensationalism rather than core reporting. Simple fact checking reveals the lack of truth behind the commentary being made.
Sadly, and in ways that are unprecedented, the government is limiting our access to information. We are now challenged with understanding the world through inaccurate, mis- and dis-information that is often being driven by AI and algorithms that silo our information. This is further compounded by the influence of individuals who should have no business interfering. Who is a trusted source for information? Are we getting a fair view of the facts? There has always been the opportunity for both sides of an issue, story, event to be told whether it is positive or negative. This is waning under pressure that is unjustified for the coverage or comments taking place.
We are standing on the edge of a very slippery slope. As a communicator, who has devoted a career to honest, ethical practices, I will continue to SHOUT NOW (yes, all caps, thanks to the Internet) is the time to be aware of the freedoms we have taken for granted so casually for so long. ALL of us. We cannot sacrifice our First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. Make your voice heard.
