Having already expanded on this topic in my last blog, this issue has suddenly become almost embarrassingly visible during yesterday's discussions, especially on issues around one new parliament member. Not just the press' unprofessionalism becomes apparent, but also the constant black-and-white thinking, which is thus being fed by this.
The day started with hot news, announcing that one of the coalition partners is leaving the coalition. The reason was stated as not being satisfied with the coalition's programme, which did not include any of the parties action points. I shall spare you from some of the details, trying to be as concise as possible. A few hours later, this news was withdrawn, leading to endless discussions in the media as well as on the web.
Nevertheless, just a few facts to be in the picture: The coalition member is a newcomer into politics, one of the many, who was tired of old style, centralistic corrupt politics. His party "Ordinary People" entered parliament on a tandem-agreement with the Freedom and Solidarity party. Keeping in mind, that introducing a new breeze in politics might not always be an easy task, getting votes justifies to a certain degree sticking to your resolve.
Hours after the first alarming news, the truth slowly started to surface; The journalist, who quoted the said politician, took the whole quote out of context, in fact made some modifications, which gave the truth a considerable twist. Furthermore, as fragments of contradictory counter-statements flew over the web, chaos was at hand.
Being a rookie in politics is not always to be envied. True is, that an alleged corruption offer to the said parliament member a few weeks ago already stirred the public emotions, are playing somewhat against his reputation - although it must be said, that as it transpired that the offer appeared to be a bad practical joke from an acquaintance, de facto our new man has not done anything unethical at all.
Later that day, Mr Matovič tried to explain the whole matter, but also giving the background to why some dissatisfaction arose, which sheds a different light on the whole matter. In my view, as humble as it may be, I tend to agree with him. One of the measures they were proposing seems fully justifiable; omitting them without consultation is indeed a slight breach of confidence. In addition, he assured a number of times, that 'in the event' they would consider to leave, his party would still support the coalition.
Quoting out of context is fairly common in Slovakia (I happen to know even a case, where confronted with such a faux pas, the journalist was nevertheless insisting his out of context version not only to to be correct, but even better); whether it is partly because (former) government's pressure from above, or perhaps a hint that the said journalist in fact is not indeed a specialist in that field is irrelevant. Being paid to do this job, he or she should be performing in a professional way. Prepare his stuff, staying focused on the topic, and being critical at the answers, catching the inconsistencies. Period. The next annoying point is that - although frequent denial - media as well as the public repeatedly assume the 'fact' Mr Matovič has run into the arms of Fico (which is far from the truth) as well as if the coalition has therefore fallen. When appearing in the news, the first questions by the anchorman were indeed again based on these incorrect presumptions (get your stuff right!).
I will skip the long list of nonsense that followed. The sad thing about the whole matter remains, that the atmosphere around the government is prematurely spoiling. What makes you really wonder - even go mad - is that hardly anyone takes really the time to absorb the facts. Admittedly, after a long day in the office, factory or whatever, people need ready made chunks of news. Disfigured news is deadly. Cucumber season? Not really. Journalism needs a thorough kicking in their rear, else the broad public remains to be fully ignorant. They hardly realise their responsibility, Alas!
MS
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