Trying to bury or cover up bad news simply never works

Obstacles in the way of truth just mean public suffers

It’s been a hard time for those involved in journalism of late.

We’re probably in one of the most hated professions out there, maybe slightly ahead of bankers and lawyers, and surveys suggest the public’s perception of journalists across the globe has taken a substantial hit in recent years.

The actions of some have given journalism a bad name, without a doubt and in this era of seemingly countless elections and the smokescreen of fake news, then it is inevitable reporters have a greater light shone upon them as people defend their own interests to the hilt.

For my own tuppence-worth, I just try to report the news and be as balanced as I can. And for me, a journalist’s goal should not only be to report the news in a truthful, accurate and unbiased way but should also be about holding those in power to account.

So that said, it has heartened me somewhat to see the furore sparked by Kensington and Chelsea Council’s decision to suddenly abort a meeting about the Grenfell Tower tragedy after journalists were allowed in.

A High Court order was needed to allow press access to the proceedings but only after the assembled press pack and members of the public were initially barred by council leaders.

The meeting was still shelved but it’s nice to see a journalist’s bread and butter, the right to attend a council meeting, defended in the way it was.

Those in positions of such power would do well to remember that the vast majority of journalists are doing their job in this type of instance. It’s not a witch hunt. Indeed, those who start off from that standpoint could be construed as having something to hide.

When it comes to examining a tragedy of this magnitude and any appropriate response thereafter, surely there can be no room for anything less than complete transparency.

Journalists in all walks of life have simply got to be able to do their jobs without impediment, because if we’ve got hurdles in the way, it’s the wider public who suffer.

Burying bad news or keeping people in the dark will never work. The truth always will out.

Picture: Getty Images. Journalists wait to gain access to Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall for a meeting about the Grenfell fire, having initially been barred from entering.

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