Limitations encountered by journalists in the exercise of their profession

Abstract

This dissertation examines the limitations which journalists encounter during the exercise of such profession. The law grants to every citizen the basic rights some of which are mostly vital to the journalistic profession. Freedom of expression coupled with free press and freedom of information enable journalists to fulfil their purpose in serving the people‟s right to know. Journalism acts as a two-way channel between the public and the legislators. Journalism applies in so far as the public is made aware of the government‟s activities and even with regard to the government wherein it would get feedback on what the public thinks of a specific law or activity. Democracy and freedom of expression go hand in hand and failure to have such rights there cannot be a stable democracy. This can only be achieved by having independent and free journalism because having only partisan journalism is dangerous since the news being reported would be one-sided so people cannot get to know both sides of the story in order to make up their own opinion.This dissertation studies the relevance and importance these rights bear in a democratic society like Malta and how this affects it. The press and the media is said to be the fourth estate in a democratic country since it ensures accountability of all three bodies of the Government which are the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. If freedom of expression is restricted, one of the main elements of democracy that is the rule of law is lost. The rule of law makes everyone subject to law including the three state bodies. If the people are not informed of any irregularities which may be done by the Government, it cannot be subjected to the law. Having said this, although these rights are vital for the maintenance of democracy one may not realize the restrictions which journalists are made subject to in real life in order to serve their purpose of providing the public with a realistic and an honest view of the news. Hence this dissertation analyses such limitations through lived experiences by local experienced journalists and editors.