Journalism and Responsibility

Anyone listening to the news about the state of the world today would love to just pull the covers over their head. But of course, that doesn’t help.
    In Switzerland, much would already have been achieved if every citizen could reflect on their own history and the value of neutrality and good offices. For neutrality is a model for peace: A neutral country does not take part in armed conflicts, but instead offers mediation in times of conflict, and, through its good offices and as the headquarters of the International Red Cross, provides impartial assistance to people in need and in danger. Everyone can play their part here and, instead of being a spectator, become a helper.
    In our current volatile situation, journalism would also have a far more important role to play than usual: it could act as a bridgebuilder in times of crisis. Such a goal requires an appreciation of one’s own roots, education, knowledge of the subject matter, and independent thinking, including a geopolitical perspective. Anyone who addresses us as citizens takes on a responsibility. Sources must be disclosed, interviewees named, and current events honestly contextualised. Facts must be stated and clearly distinguished from personal opinions. There is much more that could be said about journalistic ethics.
    What is the situation today? On the fourth anniversary of the official start of the war in Ukraine, there was plenty to hear, read and see in our media; the title of a report by Radio SRF on 24 February should suffice as an example (David Nauer in the SRF Swiss Radio and Television News App).
    “Putin is a miserable military leader.” A statement like that would have been very dangerous in our neighbouring country a few decades ago; there was no freedom of speech whatsoever, certainly not when it came to the Führer, the “greatest military leader of all time”. Or Napoleon? He too was a great leader and “field commander” for whom human life meant nothing. Are “field commanders” in demand again today? And who, then, should be a “good field commander”? It is obvious what is urgently needed in the current global situation to protect people around the world. They are statesmen – politicians who, for the good of their country, seek to establish a security framework between nations, rely on dialogue and negotiation, and act as equal partners rather than as commanders or leaders. This approach is in line with the UN Charter.
    When an SRF correspondent – a journalist in neutral Switzerland – titles a report for us listeners “Putin is a miserable military leader”, this is evidence of a grossly one-sided analysis. This journalist does not understand Switzerland’s role as a neutral nation in promoting peace. I expect the public broadcaster SRF to provide, at the very least, balanced reporting. •