The erosion of journalism ethics in the race for instant news
THOMAS NKHOMA | Monday February 17, 2025 13:23
They were essential ethical standards that shaped how information was handled. These principles ensured that sensitive information was not prematurely disclosed, that sources could speak freely without fear of exposure and that legal processes were respected to avoid prejudicing cases before the courts. Adhering to these values allowed journalists to be trusted with confidential documents, advance copies of speeches and insider perspectives. The tradition reinforced journalism’s role as a credible and responsible pillar of society. The principles ensured that information was published at the right time to maintain its integrity. One of the clearest examples of this principle in practice was the handling of the national budget speech. At BOPA, journalists were given advance copies of the speech under strict embargo, meaning they could prepare their stories but were prohibited from publishing until the speech was officially delivered. The practice ensured accuracy, allowed for thorough analysis and maintained public confidence in both the government and media.
However, with the advent of digital disruption and the rise of citizen journalism, coupled with the intense pressure to be the first to break news, such traditional journalistic standards have been significantly eroded. Today, leaks are widespread, often under the guise of exclusive insider information leading to premature and sometimes misleading reporting. Picture this, if a newspaper were to publish a budget speech before it was delivered, it would not only create confusion but also damage the credibility of government and media alike. This reminds me of an interesting story back then when I was a cub reporter, making rounds about Radio Botswana. The station had an embargoed report on former president Sir Seretse Khama’s speech at a kgotla meeting in Mahalapye, which was scheduled for the morning. However, the meeting time was changed to the afternoon without Radio Botswana being notified. As a result, their 1pm news bulletin mistakenly reported that Sir Seretse Khama had already addressed the gathering even detailing the content of his speech.
When the President arrived at the kgotla in the afternoon after hearing the news, he was said to have joked thus, “You heard on Radio Botswana that I have already addressed you, so that’s the news I had for you.” It was a harmless mix-up though in that Radio Botswana had simply not been informed of the change in schedule. Nonetheless, what I want to emphasise is that the decline of embargoes is just but one aspect of the broader erosion of journalistic integrity. Moreover, the practice of speaking 'off the record' was once a fundamental tool that allowed sources to share critical insights without fear of being directly quoted or exposed. Such enabled journalists to gather context, verify information and produce well-rounded reports. However, the advent of social media and the relentless drive for instant news have all but obliterated this practice. Sources are now reluctant to engage with journalists for fear that their words will be instantly broadcast, stripped of nuance and potentially misrepresented. The shift has not only reduced access to valuable information but has also driven sources to alternative channels including anonymous leaks and direct-to-social-media disclosures, which further complicate the work of responsible journalists.
The consequences of these changes extend beyond individual news stories. The disappearance of embargoes and off-the-record protections has fuelled an environment where misinformation, disinformation and malinformation thrive. The era of information disorders is certainly upon us in that the loss of journalistic safeguards has made it easier for unverified rumours to spread under the guise of legitimate news. Traditional media, once the bastion of credibility, now competes with unregulated citizen journalism where ethical considerations often take a back seat to virality. The public, overwhelmed by an influx of unfiltered information, struggles to discern fact from fiction, leading to widespread distrust in the media. The responsibility to restore journalism’s integrity lies with media professionals themselves and no one else. It is high time that news organisations reaffirm their commitment to ethical reporting by reinforcing the importance of embargoes, off-the-record discussions and responsible handling of sensitive information. Journalists must resist the temptation to prioritise speed over accuracy and instead focus on delivering well-researched and contextually sound reports. Unfortunately, in Botswana the media landscape has weakened significantly, with regulatory bodies and the Press Council, once tasked with the responsibility to ensure ethical standards were upheld while fostering responsible journalism, are almost but dead.
However, there is renewed hope with Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, spearheading efforts to reform the industry. His efforts signal a critical step towards rebuilding the integrity and credibility of journalism in Botswana. Ultimately, the principles that once governed journalism are not obsolete. They are more necessary than ever. In a world where digital disruption has blurred the lines between credible reporting and reckless dissemination, a return to journalistic discipline is essential. By adhering to these timeless values, the media in Botswana can begin to rebuild public trust, reaffirm its credibility and continue to serve as a reliable source of information in this era of uncertainty and information disorders. THOMAS T. NKHOMA is MISA- Botswana chairperson