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Integrity is a vital ingredient to legitimate success in any endeavor in life.
Sadly, in recent weeks, integrity in the journalistic community has come into question both nationally and locally. Whether it is a network executive excusing inappropriate acquiescence to a totalitarian regime, a New York Times reporter fabricating stories, or local reporters selling out for a few thousand dollars, journalistic integrity is compromised.
Yet, journalism will survive. For society’s overall good, it must!
What’s happening in Iraq offers a fascinating example of what happens when censorship shackles are removed and a free press is turned loose. News outlets are springing up to cover events and express editorial views. They’re helping to develop a culture that hopefully, will eventually appreciate and effectively handle freedom of expression.
There’ll be plenty of bumps along the road. As Iraqis find their voices, excesses will likely occur. Some will be difficult for Americans, seasoned in the First Amendment and observing from a distance, to endure. Yet, from sad experience, Americans know such violations of the public trust occasionally occur.
KSL believes lessons learned as Iraq’s new system develops, as well as those experienced here when the news media’s most cherished values are tarnished, ultimately will help strengthen the vital profession of journalism. And that will benefit free people everywhere.
