By acknowledging the challenges facing the sector and demonstrating willingness to amend restrictive laws such as the Media Practitioners Association Act, there is no doubt that the new administration has taken a critical step towards fostering media freedom and strengthening journalism as a pillar of democracy. That notwithstanding, one of the critical issues plaguing Botswana’s media landscape is seemingly the rapid decline in professionalism and ethical standards. In the past, journalism was a craft that required years of experience, mentorship and a structured progression through the newsroom ranks. A cub reporter, fresh from university or any other institution, would first gain hands-on experience as a junior reporter or cub reporter.
They would then gradually rise through the ranks to become a senior reporter, desk coordinator, sub-editor and eventually an editor. Such traditional career progression ensured that only seasoned journalists with a strong ethical foundation and a profound industry knowledge took up leadership roles in newsrooms. Contrast that with today’s media industry, the situation has changed dramatically. While a welcome development, the rise of digital media and the demand for immediate content have led to what is now referred to as the “juniorisation” of newsrooms. Young journalists, often inexperienced and lacking the necessary professional grounding, find themselves in senior editorial roles after publishing just a handful of breaking stories. Such premature elevation has, to some extent, contributed to a decline in professional standards with ethical considerations frequently overlooked in the race for sensational headlines. If not juniorisation, many media houses operate with skeletal staff, forcing reporters to cover multiple beats and leaving them overwhelmed with work which further compromises the quality of journalism. Furthermore, the financial instability of media organisations especially in the private sector, has exacerbated these challenges. Many experienced journalists are leaving newsrooms for more lucrative positions in corporate communications and public relations, drawn by better salaries and job security. The exodus of skilled journalists has left many media houses struggling to maintain high standards as they are now largely staffed by junior reporters who lack proper mentorship and editorial oversight. Another significant factor contributing to declining media professionalism is the rise of unregulated online platforms. Today, anyone with access to the internet can publish content and claim to be a journalist. While digital platforms have expanded access to information, they have also led to an increase in misinformation, unchecked biases and the blurring of lines between professional journalism and amateur reporting.
