The job of any journalist these days is extremely demanding in a world awash with reams of information, pouring down the global pipeline through an almost unlimited amount of electronic devices and cameras that are prominent in just about any incident large or small.

This modern form of gathering information has affected many areas of life that in earlier times relied on accounts by witnesses, which of course presented additional problems in seeking the truth, since in many situations people tend to give what they think they saw, and conflicting versions can be given by two people witnessing the same event while standing together. It happens often.

In a fast-moving world with corruption popping up in just about any area of life, journalists are confronted with people who would rather they did not exist because of their commitment to truth, and the questions they must ask in performing their duties, which at times is far from pleasant to those who endeavour to conceal rather than operate with transparency.

When a situation, whether it is political or is related to big business, runs into shady ground, apart from investigating authorities, it is the reporter who must follow developments in a professional manner to keep the public informed. It is the principle journalism objective.

Reporters are often despised by both sides of a dispute because each side wants their version to be the lead angle.

At times, even journalists are blamed for mishandling a story simply because they sought to uncover and present as much information as possible to maintain a proper balance of whatever has taken place.

The free press should never be in a popularity contest during the course of their profession, and over the years sadly in troubled parts of the world where ethnic or political differences are extreme, many have paid with their lives for simply doing their job which is to seek the truth.

There are some places in the world where journalism in its proper form is non-existent because the Government prefers the news to contain only what they want the people to know. North Korea is perhaps one of the most extreme countries with such a policy, and they do not hesitate to exert heavy penalties for violation of that policy. Criticism of that Government by anyone there could result in a death sentence.

Without the free press operating as is the case in most parts of the world, the truth about life in North Korea will remain hidden in a cloud of mystery.

The role of journalists in the free world is critical because with social media bursting at the seams with anything that has appeal, whether it is true or not, journalists have the task of sifting through reports designed to sensationalise to get at the truth. That is always difficult because rumours spread much faster than facts. This is why most news services in the free world often use the term “we have no way of verifying reports at this time”.

Getting it right the first time should always be the focus of any journalist.

However, nothing is perfect and occasionally there is a mistake. That can be tolerated but if there is a perception of misleading, then it becomes a different matter.

Here in Bermuda our free press, like any other organisation in the world, may not be perfect but the job they do in keeping the public informed should be celebrated and protected because they too have the responsibility of sifting through erroneous reports to home in on whatever the facts are.

The road ahead for Bermuda will not be without bumps and obstacles, especially with a struggling economy and concerns about increases in the cost of living, in addition to senior healthcare matters along with efforts to stamp out violent crime believed to be connected to the ongoing illegal drug problems.

Seniors have a right to want a clear picture about what is being done and why to improve their sunset years.

Journalism will remain a key factor in keeping the Bermudian community informed on all fronts of concern.

Political differences will always be a challenge for journalists but as long as they remain focused on the truth, there is no need to fear the press. Remember without the free press we probably would never know who to hold accountable when things go wrong. That would truly be unacceptable.