The notion that internet freedom translates to a complete absence of rules and regulations has become a double-edged sword, contributing to an era of unchecked media exploitation.
Jonathan Liew's recent piece lamenting the loss of journalistic integrity is a timely reminder that honesty in journalism is not solely the responsibility of individual reporters. The expectation that the internet should be free of charge has created a toxic environment where media outlets feel pressured to prioritize profits over principle, leading to the spread of misinformation and sensationalism.
This pervasive notion of "internet freedom" ignores the very concept that underpins it: the idea that access to information should come with certain responsibilities. Just as we expect to be held accountable for our actions in the physical world, so too should media outlets be expected to uphold certain standards in their reporting.
The recent withdrawal of Philip Glass's Lincoln symphony from the Kennedy Center serves as a stark example of how this expectation has failed. While it is true that the Guardian could have "contacted" the organization directly, the use of the phrase "reached out to" implies a level of deliberateness and consideration that may not be present in every media outlet.
The intersection of internet freedom and media accountability raises important questions about the role of governments and regulatory bodies in policing online content. As we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to recognize that internet freedom is not an all-or-nothing proposition โ rather, it should be accompanied by a set of clear guidelines and standards that ensure responsible reporting.
Ultimately, the expectation that the internet should be free from charge has created a culture of shameless theft, where media outlets feel emboldened to exploit their audiences without consequence. It is time for us to reassess this notion and work towards creating a more balanced approach to online content, one that prioritizes integrity over profits.
Jonathan Liew's recent piece lamenting the loss of journalistic integrity is a timely reminder that honesty in journalism is not solely the responsibility of individual reporters. The expectation that the internet should be free of charge has created a toxic environment where media outlets feel pressured to prioritize profits over principle, leading to the spread of misinformation and sensationalism.
This pervasive notion of "internet freedom" ignores the very concept that underpins it: the idea that access to information should come with certain responsibilities. Just as we expect to be held accountable for our actions in the physical world, so too should media outlets be expected to uphold certain standards in their reporting.
The recent withdrawal of Philip Glass's Lincoln symphony from the Kennedy Center serves as a stark example of how this expectation has failed. While it is true that the Guardian could have "contacted" the organization directly, the use of the phrase "reached out to" implies a level of deliberateness and consideration that may not be present in every media outlet.
The intersection of internet freedom and media accountability raises important questions about the role of governments and regulatory bodies in policing online content. As we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to recognize that internet freedom is not an all-or-nothing proposition โ rather, it should be accompanied by a set of clear guidelines and standards that ensure responsible reporting.
Ultimately, the expectation that the internet should be free from charge has created a culture of shameless theft, where media outlets feel emboldened to exploit their audiences without consequence. It is time for us to reassess this notion and work towards creating a more balanced approach to online content, one that prioritizes integrity over profits.