Patriotic journalism vs watchdog journalism: Navigating the thin line of truth
Friday, October 17, 2025 | 110 Views |
Nkhoma PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
In April 1961, the world watched in disbelief as a small fleet of exiled Cubans, backed by the United States, attempted to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The mission ended in disaster, hundreds were captured and the US military suffered a humiliating defeat.
In the aftermath, President John F. Kennedy accused the American press of failing to report a leak about the operation, suggesting that, had journalists informed the public, it might have spared the army both embarrassment and unnecessary loss of life.
That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...