Towards the end of April, an MP said Rwandan journalists were not doing their job properly because they were selective on what they were reporting. As an example, he said only a few of them report about MPs visiting families in conflict, contrary to those who report for example, on policy reforms, such as the maternity leave being doubled to six months. Any good journalist would go with the latter, because it is literal news. It is a topic for hot debate, and shows advancement of workers’ rights and it affected many in the community. The former, on the other hand, is content for an institution’s website. The MP went on to call for journalism training on how to not focus on the ‘negatives’ but be neutral. Several other people have raised the issue, suggesting what the media should be doing instead of reporting their “hot” news. Every year on May 3, the world marks Press Freedom Day, which is observed to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as per the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day is being marked for the 30th time, and this year’s theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights.” Given the Rwandan context and how the media has played an important role in social justice through advocacy, press freedom is something that should be taken even more seriously. Freedom of expression can be a driver to accelerate all other human rights if used effectively. Rwandan journalists toil in a not-so-high-paying career to make sure Rwandans from all walks of life are informed, entertained, and educated. Rwandan journalists know what their audience needs, and so they try to deliver. They should be appreciated more, and supported to do their job in freedom. Legal instruments like the access to information law must be respected by all officials to ease the work of journalists. It however does not mean that all journalists are above board. Some among us carry themselves with unprofessionalism, which in the end erodes public trust. Journalists must know better to not abuse the privilege of trust and checks and balances – including by mandated organs like Rwanda Media Commission – must be enforced to ensure practitioners stick to ethical values and standards.
