THE WATCHDOG: THE EMBODIMENT OF PRESS ORGANISATIONS

“Shh. Let’s talk about it later. I think she’s in the press.” This is a statement that all campus journalists will hear at least once (and this is a gross underestimation) in their careers. Whenever she walks into a room unannounced or walks in the middle of a discussion, her status as a member of the press is brought up. Student politicians walk on eggshells around her, careful not to disclose anything that might produce a scathing article.

Things have begun to change, however. Now, it is not just politicians but also the average student. Now regardless of the conversation, individuals are wary about speaking to Pressmen. And we have made it our business to make public the information that has been suppressed.

It is somewhat disconcerting to see the press organizations perceived as the local tattletale, only interested in attention-grabbing headlines and sensational news. To some, the press is perceived as a nuisance, an organization whose favorite pastime is to run smear campaigns to pull politicians from their pedestals at the slightest provocation and for the smallest infraction. And to the public, it seems, like the higher this individual is on the totem pole, the more enthusiastic press organizations enjoy the liberties of their trade; writing cutting articles structured to rip reputations to irredeemable rags.

These thought processes give the mental image of press organizations waiting for the slightest slip from student leaders, fixated on every action taken in the office, every official statement released, and every kobo spent with such a level of scrutiny. Waiting on the edges like a spider,  watching patiently for the slightest misstep before moving in for the kill and then gloating in triumph on a successful hunt.

This mental picture of the press is not completely incorrect. The most appropriate allegory for the press has already been given. Press organizations are the watchdog of the state. They keep watch, steady, and alert when all others are distracted. Not willing to let the slightest threat slip by.

Local press organizations exist wherever there is a form of student governance i.e. the student union, departments, faculties, halls of residence, and even religious organizations. Where there are individuals leading and others being led, there is a need for an organization like the press. The press acts as a voice, demanding accountability, especially from those who have been elected into office. This is the function of the media (the press) in any state (the University can be substituted for the state in this context, as press organizations in the University are modeled after media institutions in the country).

Individuals in a position of power regardless of the level of power often attempt to control information. They decide the information that the people they are responsible for are privy to; perhaps because they believe the information should not be made public yet or they wish to cover up their misdeeds. Regardless of whatever the reason may be, it remains that a leader is placed in a position to serve the people. And you are accountable to those people. To an extent, it is understandable that student politicians and their aides may attempt to hide information from the press; perhaps in the hopes that the faith the voters had in them; they do not lose it.

Now, students who are not in places of power appear to have a similar reaction to articles released by press organizations. Some believe that articles are heavily influenced by political powers. With each session, it seems the function of the press organizations has been lost to the general public; but politicians seem to be more and more aware of it with every campaign season that goes by. The press is here, primarily, to hold our leaders to account. There are other functions; to inform, to educate, entertain.

The power that the leaders wield belongs to the people, and they must account for every act and every failure to act while in office. The watchdog must ensure this is done.