Editorial Integrity or Commercial Gain?

Have you ever been in a situation where you are being faced with two equally important tasks, and you have to choose between one?

Many Singaporeans are upset over signs of biasness in mainstream media. It is true that many companies give one-sided opinions to safeguard their company's interests, as well as for commercial gains. But, ask yourself, can you really blame them? And, will you go so far as to avoid mainstream media? Of course not, because unless you are a frog living in a well and all that's in your sight is that small circle of sky, then it is impossible for you to avoid it at all costs.

I once said in a class presentation that the reason why I wanted to be a journalist was because the mainstream media in Singapore (of course, it's not only limited to our little island, it is a pervading problem all around the world) was too tainted with deceit and lies (not all on purpose) and I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to report to my readers only the truth, and nothing but the truth. Of course, I was faced with the inevitable question of which I would choose among the two, editorial integrity or commercial gain?

My answer, is of course, commercial gain.

A good journalist has to learn how to balance both, but ultimately when push comes to shove and you have to make a choice between the two, commercial gain will come first. Is honesty and integrity going to fill your stomach, or money?

Like how a teacher once put it, "You may have all these ideals and beliefs, but when your stomach goes hungry, you forget about all of that."

And, seriously, can you really report the truth when your company's reputation is at stake? Many people accuse journalists of inaccurate reporting, but sometimes, they do not have a choice. (Of course, in some instances, proper and thorough research has not been done, but that's a different story altogether) This is especially so in circumstances where a few valuable advertisers is at stake.

Just think about this scenario: You are the owner of a reputable company. One day, someone is being stabbed a few times outside a certain popular tourist destination. He writes to your company and hopes that you will do him justice by publicizing this possibly fatal event, as well as to warn others. At the same time, this so-called popular tourist destination is one of your biggest advertisers, and its sole existence has just fattened your company's (not to mentions yours and your employees' ) wallets by just a few million per month. Needless to say, if you decide to report on this matter and alert your readers, the company is gonna pull out, and your monthly income will add up to a few million less. You are caught in a dilemma: To report the incident on the basis of informing your readers and being fair to them, or choose to ignore the whole incident and pretend it never took place. In other words, not awarding any column inches to it?

Think about it.

Are you going to make yourself a whole lot less poorer, or are you going to think about the poor guy's state and decide to give him the justice and coverage he so deserves.

The answer's pretty obvious.