Killing journalism

I have been writing in this column since 2007.

I did not parachute into this column; it was not the mighty hand of the current political power that made it possible for me to have this column. When I started writing, I had the experience, accumulation of information and perspective of views gained over 21 years spent in the local and international media as a reporter, editor and administrator.

I always saw myself as a member of the profession, and I conducted journalism only for the sake of journalism. I only fought for press freedom.

Now, as a journalist who has turned 50 years of age and approaching 30 years at work, I am watching the killing of my profession, journalism, with shame.

This is a murder of democracy committed quietly but systematically, spreading over time. Eliminating press freedom means eliminating democracy.

There is no place for press freedom, therefore true journalism, in the authoritarian regime and society model that is being constructed by the current political elites, who have a totalitarian worldview.

The political power in government cannot tolerate in the mainstream media the presence of independent and honest professional journalists, or a publishing approach that cares about journalism.

The media of the political power is directed from one center. The only area of competition among those in the media is who will reflect the political rhetoric dictated by the government and the information given to them each day in the most striking way in newspapers and broadcasts.

There is no issue of news competition among reporters in this media. Whether operational or political, one or more ?official? reporter or columnist is appointed for each process.

You will not...