There are times when I suspect that we pretend to ourselves
that we are just reporting and reacting to the initiatives of others. There is
a certain truth in that, but is far from the whole truth. What we give
prominence to, the slants we take and the emphases we give in what we portray
and the very selections we make for coverage, are part of the formation of the
life of the community.
The media can concentrate on the bad news or give us stories
which inspire us. If there was one reason that we launched the South Sydney
Herald, it was because we saw, over and over again, the way the mainstream
media primarily gave attention to the bad news which came out of Redfern. This
is not to suggest that any media should be a “happy clappy” romantic medium for
life. However, to consistently give priority to bad news diminishes hope and
discourages those who are trying hard to enhance the life of any community –
especially if they are vulnerable.
To tell the life stories of ordinary people who survive
against the odds or achieve great things lifts the hearts of us all. I would
suggest that, at this time, we need that lift possibly more than for many
decades.
Media can encourage or discourage genuine debate, whatever
politicians and other leaders say and do in relation to that. The role of the
media is not just in the area of honest and accurate reporting. We can add
thoughtful and reflective pieces, which both invite and require our leaders to
respond and our readers to demand that response. We can collude with those who
end discussion before it begins by labelling people as “rednecks” or “latte-
and chardonnay- drinking lefties,” or refuse to support this and insist that
the issues raised be properly explored.
Media can so easily make us lazy by giving us grabs and
spins and sensational stuff, rather than inviting us into deeper thought and
analysis. Perhaps the supreme example of this trivia lies in what now purport
to be magazines. As an older woman, I remember New Idea, Woman’s Day and
Women’s Weekly over many decades. They were never, of course, the centre of
academic or deep political comment. However, compared to what they are today,
they were a reasonable resource. At least they contained some articles about
real life and the world around us. Now I think they are turning us into people
who are voyeurs and consumers of every ridiculous detail of the lives of those
whom they suggest are worth endlessly watching – the rich and glamorous.
We can be genuinely independent or subtly and unsubtly serve
various vested interests, especially those of our owners. I must say that as
one of the producers of the South Sydney Herald, it is an indescribable
privilege to be part of one of the few independent newspapers left in Sydney. Sure, we as the
editorial team argue about the content of our paper but we owe nothing to
anyone and, as the editors and writers are all volunteers, there is no financial
ambition to be considered.
The SSH tries to hold to a principle for working which means
we always try to invite the best from all our political and other leaders,
rather than putting them into categories. This is very hard to sustain. It is
all too easy to put people into boxes as the “goodies” and the “baddies,”
whatever your ethical considerations.
The media can invite us to dare to trust each other or be
endlessly suspicious. It can refer to people in categories (like “people of
Middle Eastern appearance”) or encourage us to be curious about and stimulated
by difference.
We can collude with those who pretend that the history and
culture of this country is connected with some fantasy about mateship, gender
equity and a fair go. Or we can be honest about our history and encourage the
humble recognition that all of us are far from perfect and could work together
for something better.
The media can make us more and more cynical or be part of
the vision for a different and more just and compassionate future and the
sustaining of hope. If ever we needed that, it is now. In all my seven decades
of life, I have never known a time which is so devoid of genuine vision and
hope for the future. When we talk about “aspirational voters” that has come to
mean aspirations for economic status rather than anything which might add life
to each other and the developing of a community which we love and serve.
As I do my paper round, which is a good thing for an editor
to do, I have moments of pride and moments of humility. To connect with the lives
of the people of South Sydney lifts my heart, over and over again, and invites
me to see how sacred is my responsibility to them.
Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/