Journalism has long been recognized as a fundamental component of any democratic society, given its primary role in delivering accurate and unbiased information to the public regarding global occurrences. As a channel for sharing this knowledge, it is vital for shaping public perception and for holding authority accountable.
Ideally, these media should be tools at the exclusive service of society, and journalists, in their role as guardians of democracy, would have the responsibility to inform without any political, economic or ideological conditioning. However, the reality is much more complex, and the influence of particular interests on the media is a constant that compromises the quality and independence of critical thinking.
In the absence of free and autonomous journalism, society becomes vulnerable to deceit and misinformation.
Misrepresentation of Information in Journalism
In this environment, it is not unexpected that journalism has been entangled in a troubling pattern for some time: the distortion of information aimed at undermining those who challenge the interests of media proprietors or the connections they hold with influential industries.
Specifically, public figures who diverge from these interests are often subjected to symbolic persecution through the fabrication of misleading information or the incessant reiteration of a singular narrative. This phenomenon is not an isolated incident; rather, it is a widespread practice that undermines confidence in the media and fosters an atmosphere of societal distrust.
By employing tactics like sensationalism, selective reporting, and the spread of false information, specific segments of the press attempt to tarnish the reputations of their adversaries, exacerbating polarization and societal animosity; this constitutes a calculated effort to dismantle those who do not conform to the agendas of the journalist or the media organization.
The case of Odila Castillo Bonilla: an example of media manipulation
Fake news represents a global epidemic and a terminal illness for those in the eye of media power. After fake news is spread, the affected person suffers a symbolic death in the society that consumes that content.
Panamanian attorney Odila Castillo exemplifies the profound effects that media manipulation can have on an individual’s life. A defamation campaign orchestrated by some media outlets has sought to tarnish her personal and professional background. Utilizing strategies like selective reporting and distortion of facts, these outlets have crafted a damaging narrative designed to compromise her reputation.
The impunity with which some media operate reveals their manipulative practice: only negative information about the lawyer circulates on the web, and there is no access to data about her professional trajectory. It is evident how a figure, whose life history, professional training, opinions and achievements in the legal field are unknown, can be reduced to a name known only by a negative “accusation”.
Media manipulation poses a significant threat to democracy and society at large. By eroding trust in institutions and the media, such practices exacerbate polarization and weaken the very fabric of social cohesion. It is vital for civil society, politicians, and journalists alike to come together to challenge this phenomenon and advocate for a more ethical and accountable approach to journalism.
