Currently there are many political and socio-economic issues which merit an in-depth analysis, focused commentary or, at least, a mention.  Prior to taking to the keyboard, I surfed for a while on the internet and toyed with delving into issues emanating from Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, but Peppi Azzopardi’s public apology made last week came back to me out of the blue. 

Let me tell you why.  I did not know Rennie Vella in person, but from the large congregation gathered to bid him farewell on his eternal voyage and the numerous comments posted on the social media, Vella, the television personality, it was obvious that he was loved for his many attributes, not least his affable character.   

Unfortunately for his loved ones and friends, Xarabank had mistakenly reported Rennie’s death prematurely, a day before he passed away.  This led Peppi Azzopardi to make a public apology and take full responsibility for breaking the news to the public without checking the information with reliable sources before releasing the news.  Before I proceed with my line of thought, I would like to express my condolences to Rennie’s family and loved ones.   Back to Peppi’s apology, I believe it was well-meaning; however, I must stress that this was invariably lost amongst the loads of news releases covering other local and international events.

The news must have had devastating effects on Rennie’s family.       

That the media is a powerful tool there is no doubt; and we are well aware of this.  This puts more pressure on media houses to make sure that the news they release are correct.  Hopefully, the veracity of any news released remains supreme.    

It was commendable of Peppi to make the public apology.  Unfortunately, very few would be prepared to make an apology, let alone a public one.  Yes, it is awkward, but it is intended to mend and restore a relationship of whatever nature.  Often, big-headed and vain individuals would be prepared to put everything in jeopardy, even the common good, rather than be prepared to make an apology.  Seeking an apology from a narcissistic person is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  Such persons would not be prepared to swallow their pride.              

But then, public apologies are often reserved for leaders of political parties.  Blanket public apologies are delivered close to the end of an electoral campaign.  Political leaders will make a passionate public apology and promise to rectify most of their shortcomings if their political party were returned to office.  If this characteristic is maintained by the current Premier, he will have to make more than a passionate pledge to convince the electorate of the real PL intentions if returned to office.  In this case, a public apology would not suffice, irrespective of any blown-out-of-proportion media coverage that it is given.          

I am taking up the apology issue because many downplay the effects of such a subject.   Hopefully, on reflection, some might be more willing to make an apology, if apropos.

With the new communication technologies available, media houses have to remember that releasing news items is a great responsibility.  Spreading misinformation can have serious effects on society.  

During the UK riots in the summer of 2011, for example, a rumour spread on Twitter that a children’s hospital had been attacked by looters. The story fitted with the public’s preconceptions of who the rioters were and what they might be capable of, and it caught the public imagination.  But interestingly, it was the Twitter community that swiftly debunked the rumour, killing it off well ahead of official confirmation from the hospital and the responsible authorities.

The media is an important pillar in safeguarding democracy and while one should acknowledge that media houses are constantly in competition in a cut-throat market to inform their viewers, readers or listeners, it is equally important that a high degree of cross-checking is made before breaking news are released for public consumption.            

The concern should be heightened if the news item revolves around an issue which is highly charged.  In Malta, we have many extremely sensitive issues which create an instant reaction.  I would put politics as the number one issue. While an apology might be acceptable in certain circumstances, any such errors committed in an electoral campaign are not, irrespective of a hundred and one apologies subsequently released.  May the media houses be guided by the national good and not by sensational news, often the cause of higher audiences’ ratings.

 

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