The press is essential to a healthy democracy (Trust, diversity and independence: three key elements for a thriving press, 1 May). The conventional wisdom is that a “free” press is the guardian of democracy, but I would argue that it is, in fact, an unbiased press that serves that purpose.
Should newspapers operate on the basis of neutrality? Perhaps they should be considered a public service. Responsible journalism should present the facts in a coherent way, with spin deciphered, and only then draw an editorial conclusion, if it is appropriate. But this cannot be the case when each publication panders to its ideological base or, more worryingly, to the interests of its owner. Then, the “free” press is a mere propaganda tool.
A lack of trustworthy, unbiased information is crippling political discourse in this country and others. We deserve better than the opinions of the rich and vested interests masquerading as facts, distorting our collective view of events to such an extent that they become unrecognisable.
An independent press regulator with teeth is needed to enforce reporting standards – an Ofsted for journalists. Teachers are held to account by the schools regulator; surely our guardians of democracy should be held to similarly exacting professional standards? A teacher’s errors may result in an undeserved grade. The errors of a publication with a national following can have much more dire consequences.
Tim Allen
Potton, Bedfordshire
• As a journalism student at university, I understand the public’s lack of trust in the press. I’m a mixed-race transgender man from a low-income background, and I often wonder if this industry is even an option for someone like me, who isn’t from a privileged white background. I’m sick of Oxbridge churning out our most prominent figures; I’m sick of the establishment claiming they’re the real victims in society.
The journalism industry will die if young people with technological skills are excluded just because we weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths. There is hope for better independent journalism, but this involves training and funding a new generation.
David Chan
Belper, Derbyshire
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