By Selamawit Kidane
“I am only as good as the research that I do and that my team does… I live or die by my credibility, the strength of my research and the strength of my (sort of) editorial judgment.”
So said Stephen Sackur, host of the BBC’s HARDtalk, in an interview with Capital FM Kenya in October 2012. Twelve years later, in October 2024, Sackur—renowned for his fearless interrogations and sharp intellect—was informed that his program would be canceled, a casualty of the BBC’s latest round of job cuts. He hosted his final episode in March 2025.
Credibility, the foundation of all meaningful journalism, is not easily earned. It demands consistency, integrity, and a long track record of fairness and accuracy. It is not simply about telling a story, but about proving that story’s truth—often at great personal and professional cost.
A recent experience reminded me how even small acts of obfuscation can erode trust. I was reminded of this at a restaurant in Bole. After paying the bill, my friend and I noticed that while the larger notes were neatly placed in the folder, smaller ones had been discreetly tucked into a hidden pocket. It may have been an honest mistake, and the waiter quickly handed us the missing amount when we asked. But the design of the folder—and the ease with which something could be concealed—stayed with me. Was it simply forgetfulness, or a subtle form of deception—what psychologists call passive deception?
In the media world, such subtle concealment often takes the form of misinformation or selective framing. A half-truth here, a missing context there—and trust begins to erode. In an age of overwhelming digital content, where algorithms reward outrage over accuracy, the danger lies not only in outright falsehoods, but in the everyday manipulation of facts that leaves the public unsure of what to believe.
Media researchers point to a broken economic model: thousands of newspapers have closed or downsized over the last two decades, unable to compete with tech giants. In their place, social media has filled the void, bringing with it tidal waves of confusion, polarization, and falsehood.
In such times, credible journalism is more vital than ever. The role of media is not merely to inform but to help people make informed choices about their health, their politics, and their future. This can only be achieved through outlets that maintain rigorous editorial standards and are trusted by their audiences.
Sackur, in his trademark humility, once said: “I’m not a brave person… having it out verbally in a studio doesn’t compare with risking your life taking on the corrupt and powerful.” That self-effacing comment speaks volumes about his values. He frequently credited his team for the show’s success—another mark of true professionalism.
Today, May 3rd, is World Press Freedom Day, commemorated this year under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” It comes at a moment when Ethiopia has just passed a controversial amendment to the Media Proclamation—an issue this paper has examined in depth. And yet, perhaps equally significant, is the global loss of HARDtalk, a show that modeled what in-depth, public-interest journalism can be.
The media—often called the “fourth estate”—has long served as society’s watchdog and the voice of the voiceless. While many professionals, from lawyers to aid workers, take pride in defending the vulnerable, few have the reach and power of a free press to challenge entrenched systems and amplify the cries of the silenced.
That is why journalism is so often attacked. The more independent it is, the more threatening it becomes. Ethiopia’s own constitution—under Article 29—guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press. But that guarantee only matters if citizens actively defend it.
A just, stable, and peaceful world is impossible without justice for those too often forgotten. On this World Press Freedom Day, let us honor the sacrifices of journalists everywhere—and recommit ourselves to defending the truth-tellers who serve the public, often at great personal risk.
