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By Mohamed Abdillahi Du’ale (Ilkacase)
The press is called the fourth estate of any democratic country, meaning it is the fourth power after the executive, judiciary and legislative. In a democracy, the press not only disseminates news and information but also analyses them critically, hence giving a whole panorama of any problem and its possible solutions.
The Press is not supposed to be a mouthpiece of the prevailing government but a staunch supporter of peoples' causes. The media keeps people informed about the government policies and global issues.
It also informs the government about the problems of the society; their
desires, and grievances.
The press must aim at the truth. False information and sedition should be
avoided. The press mustn’t publish rumors, vulgar or cooked up reports just
to enhance their sale. It must not indulge in spreading sectarian and
communal feelings. The press should always keep in mind its responsibility
to fight against any social evil. Otherwise the press will become just
another vulgar medium to be exploited by the political authorities.
If the press avoids all these things, I am sure that it will be beneficial
both to the government and its people. But the press law submitted to
parliament, is totally against freedom of the press.
The unlimited freedom of the press that Somaliland Journalists enjoy is
unrivaled in the region and I do hope that our president will not allow any
restriction to be imposed on our press freedom such as the ill-reputed press
bill.
The press must not become just a tool in the hands of the government. Unless
the press itself enjoys freedom, how can it become the defender and supporter of our rights and civil liberties.
In conclusion, freedom of the press can be useful only when the press is
fully aware of its responsibilities and duties.
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