Editor,
 
IT is a fact that the public is greatly influenced by the media, with many people tending to believe that what is reported in the media is nothing but truth. In light of that, it is important that journalists always report balanced and factual stories, without any bias.

I respect journalists very much because, without them, societies would be ignorant about things happening around them and it would create a dangerous disconnect between the leaders and the led.

However, since good journalism benefits everyone, all stakeholders, including government and the private sector, should cast their support behind the media, especially through providing them with training opportunities to help improve on their capacity. The ultimate beneficiary of a well-functioning, vibrant and professional media industry is society – we all benefit when the media gets it right, and all stand to lose when they get wrong.

It is important that Rwanda’s media, in particular, aspire to do better with regard to giving us investigative and human interest stories, in order to influence policy and cause action. But they should avoid criticizing for the sake of it.

And, because journalists are partners in development, it is important that everyone facilitates them by helping provide information in a timely manner. When a journalist accesses accurate information, there’s little room for speculation in the public sphere.

And, therefore, denying them information is inhibiting the public’s right to know.

Augustine Rutaremara
Gicumbi