I recently published an article about the semi-automatic monorail system at Atlantis Foundries that eliminates the use of forklifts, reduces the risk of spillage, as well as ensuring a much safer work environment in the molten metal department. Besides being published in the December 2023 issue of Castings SA it was also posted on the magazine’s websites and on LinkedIn.
The article drew attention from far and wide and at one stage I thought it was going to surpass the record of 4 900 views but it still gained a respectable 3 800 views. The previous article – published in Metalworking News at the beginning of January 2023 – was on an installation of a high-speed 5-axis DMG MORI DMU 340 P machining center at Titanus Slew Rings.
The response to these two articles says something very powerful. Readers want to continue to read about positive stories that are informing them and are newsworthy, rather than being bombarded by contrived communication and mis-information sent by commercial operations. No government, politician, company or person should influence the content of editorial. Media independence is the absence of external control and influence on an institution or individual working in the media. It is a measure of its capacity to make decisions and act according to its logic that distinguishes independent media.
The fundamental right to seek and disseminate information through an independent press is under attack, and part of the assault has come from an unexpected source. Elected leaders in many democracies, who should be press freedom’s staunchest defenders, have made explicit attempts to silence critical media voices and strengthen outlets that serve up favourable coverage.
A free and independent press is the core institution connecting the public to the information they need to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and hold those in charge and governmental officials accountable. The media should always do more to equip readers to think for themselves.
While the threats to global media freedom are real and concerning in their own right, their impact on the state of democracy is what makes them truly dangerous. However, journalism is in crisis in a period where it has become far too easy for someone with no training, no experience and absolutely no knowledge on the subject matter, to gain entry into the profession. The tools on hand that are readily available have made life easier for everyone but they have also increased the undesirable aspects of life.
The media system should be diverse and pluralistic, including different media types, operating under varied systems of regulation, designed to foster free competition for audiences and attention, and have a strong accountability of media owners and journalists to citizens and public opinion.
Journalistic professionalism is an important component of a healthy media system, and the internalisation of respect for the public interest and operation of a ‘reputational economy’ within the profession provide important safeguards against excesses, and an incentive for innovation. Systems that strengthen occupational self-regulation within the press are valuable.
Experience has shown, however, that press freedom can rebound from even lengthy stints of repression when given the opportunity. The basic desire for democratic liberties, including access to honest and fact-based journalism, can never be extinguished.
