Whenever there is an incident of significant concern anywhere in the world, most people want to know the truth, rather than scattered information twirling in cyberspace, where in a rush to be first by some news outlets, facts are often bypassed and a distorted version of what really happened can easily occur.

It matters little whether it is a leading nation or a small jurisdiction such as Bermuda. Seeking the truth requires more than a fleeting glance of a situation mainly to stay ahead of competition, while trying to keep the public informed. It is truly a challenging time for professional journalists worldwide. It is always better to be accurate, rather than first a with story, because reporters know that rebuilding trust could be an even bigger challenge.

Competition is healthy because journalists are kept on their toes as they carry out their duties, very much aware that inaccuracy can be damaging to credibility. Operating in a sea of almost unlimited sources of modern technology where information, accurate or not, is in constant flow, the potential is high for mistakes.

When a big event occurs, within seconds it is flashed across the globe via texting, social media and other electronic devices. In that maze of material, it is the responsibility of professional journalists to sift through a jungle of bits and pieces in search of truth. Often their work is not appreciated, especially when they uncover information that some would rather not have disclosed.

No amount of technology can alter the truth. In other words, there is no substitute for good professional journalism. With so much going on these days, here in Bermuda and overseas, it was a blow recently when the DeFontes radio and television station fell victim to a troubled economy, and were not able to continue operating. This comes at a time when we actually need even more reporters.

Journalists internationally are being tested every day with highly complex situations such as the recent bombing by American forces of a hospital in Afghanistan, operated by Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). More than 20 were killed, including doctors and patients. Although several investigations are under way to uncover how this happened, it was one of those events, even in war, which has drawn condemnation because, with elite forces using the most modern technology in communication, there should have been no confusion over what that structure was.

The incident even sparked cries that the hospital attack could fall into the category of a war crime. Journalists in America and around the world are charged with following this tragic incident to get at the truth. Professional journalists, in doing their jobs, take no sides in gathering facts — and that is why the free press remains a significant tool for keeping democracy alive and well.

With top US military officials calling for a review of operating procedures in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama issued an apology to Doctors without Borders over a military blunder, even as investigations continue to ascertain the facts involved. In an ugly war that seems to be keeping tensions high between America and Russia, a solution is nowhere in sight.

It should be noted that journalists, usually associated with stories about the dark side of life, are instrumental also in highlighting acts of inspiration, which remind us of good people, and good things, on this planet. The political arena is never a picnic for journalists, who are often targets by opposing groups for simply doing their jobs without favour.

It is a profession that thrives on seeking the truth regardless of whether it is pleasant or not. Without good journalism, many of the freedoms we enjoy today would be at risk.