News media serves as watchdog for democracy

US Charge d'affaires Geeta Pasi yesterday said the news media serves as watchdogs for democracy by monitoring government activities, ensure human rights and provides checks against corruption and abuse of power.
The power and freedom of and the public trust in the media come with the media's responsibility to provide readers with news that is fair, authentic and timely, she said at a programme celebrating the 50th year of Voice of America's Bangla service at the Westin Hotel.
"Journalists and editors have a responsibility to themselves, their news agencies, and their audience to report fairly, accurately, and independently. The media must always remember that it serves the public interest," said Geeta Pasi.
"A free press has tremendous power to influence others in a society. The checks and balances provided by that power are crucial for any democracy. With that public trust comes the responsibility to provide the people with news that is authentic and timely."
The media's credibility is determined by its commitment to truth, accuracy, objectivity and a clear distinction between news and advertising, she added.
"The attainment of these goals and the respect for ethical and professional values may not be imposed. These are the exclusive responsibility of journalists and the media. In a free society, it is public opinion that rewards or punishes the media for the job they do."
Lauding the VOA's standards as the yardstick, Geeta Pasi said the station's success lies in its rigid standards of using several independent sources, accurate and fair reporting, and presenting a comprehensive view to its readers.
VOA broadcasters set aside their personal and political views while performing official duties, she added.
Former chief adviser Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, VOA director Don Austin and VOA marketing head Doug Boynton also spoke on the occasion.
VOA started broadcasting its Bangla service in 1958 and now enjoys a weekly audience of 10 million people worldwide.