The Necessity of a Press Council
Some are addicted to journalism. But what is journalism in itself? Journalism is a noble profession that carries an important responsibility towards society.
In this context, a Press Council should be set up in Mauritius to give this profession its nobility. It will control various newspapers and periodicals published and journalists who have tendency to write whatever they like.
It will keep the record of all registered journalists, newspapers and magazines in Mauritius. It will be a watchdog keeping an eye on the morality and conduct of journalists.
It will set out rules and regulations or rather a “code de conduite” by which every journalist should abide.
Often a journalist is sued for defamation. But why? How is it that the journalist has failed in his task causing prejudice to the honour and dignity of the plaintiff?
Such things should not occur. A journalist should always report with exactitude. He should never spread false news. He should try his utmost to give journalism its “lettres de noblesse.”
He must avoid rumours at all costs while making his report so as not to deform the film of events.
Protecting Society Through Responsible Journalism
Newspapers and periodicals having communal characteristics should be banned from publication. They can bring about racial riots throughout the country at any time and thus jeopardize its security.
There are also political newspapers. The journalists of these newspapers write whatever they like. They make propaganda of their respective political parties even at the cost of lies.
Newspapers are one of the most important factors in the life of a civilized nation. The public has the right to be informed of everything happening in this country.
However, journalists should always report with exactitude and should never make the public get into aberration. They should also not indulge in the famous “trials by the press”, leaving the course of justice do its work.
A Bridge Between Journalists and the Public
The Press Council will see to it that every journalist is doing his job properly. It will see that no journalist is misreporting or spreading false news, and last but not the least, the honour and dignity of every Mauritian citizen are preserved.
If ever a journalist will be found guilty of misconduct, disciplinary actions will be taken against him. His name may be struck off the Press Council, and he may not ever be allowed to work as journalist, the noble profession as it is, in Mauritius.