Good journalism is about asking tough questions

What was I thinking during my encounter with Pope Francis on the flight to the UAE last week? Maybe I wasn’t I thinking at all and just said what came to my mind. I remember writing about his ‘personal’ meeting with journalists on board the papal aircraft but the contents of the conversation may have slipped through my fingers during the frenzied blogging that day. The head of the Vatican was a picture of grace, a humble man who appeared to eschew the trappings of spiritual or earthly power. And, for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what I told him then even as other media colleagues plastered their pictures with him all over social media.

I am not quick on the (smartphone camera) draw, you see. I can’t think visually and find it embarrassing to train the spotlight on myself. So, what did secular me say mid-air to the religious-political personality who is held in high esteem by 1.3 billion Catholics? I remember now and I shared it with some of my colleagues who haven’t stopped laughing since. “Welcome to the UAE, your Holiness, pray for the media, pray for Khaleej Times,” was what I said.

Perhaps I was saving the best for last. Did I sound foolish? One of the Francis’ aides, a curious grin on his face, asked, “You okay?” as the pope moved on and greeted other journos on the flight.

Francis wore a permanent smile despite the punishing schedule. He looked radiant in spurts and was pleased to be in the company of journalists unlike other petty and minor leaders who like to set the agenda for even a brief chat or an email interview. Some don’t bother to respond after months of pursuing them while others take solace for the no-show with tweets on Twitter. You are then asked to send questions and then get hitched with some PR agency that picks what should reach the big man or woman’s ears.

The Vatican’s approach, on the other hand, was refreshing and officials told me the Holy See “does not buy coverage or set the agenda” and would be happy if I report the truth however unpalatable it may be. Chris Lamb of

The Tablet who was with me on the trip advised me to ask him something ‘personal’. At that moment I couldn’t think of something closer to my heart than the media and the news organisation that I work for.

So when Francis came towards me and shook my hand, I blurted what came to my mind. I tried to pull it away but he held it for what I thought were an extra 30 seconds — more than the regulation time for a handshake. He looked keen to strike a conversation and spoke in Italian which was translated to say that he was happy to meet me and sought my wishes and prayers for the trip.

“He likes speaking to journalists, taking their questions and answering them as best as he can,” said a fellow scribe as Francis continued his walk down the Alitalia 777’s aisle and chatted up the media. For the rest of the flight, we talked about why journalism needs to be accorded more respect by those in power, and why we do not wish to be treated as marketing or PR peddlers. We expressed concerns about journalists being laid off as Facebook and Google continue to gobble up advertising on the Internet. The Press followed the herd and joined the eyeballs game on social media only to see their profits and revenues plummet.

Now, here’s the score that is in favour of Big Tech. The net digital advertising revenues of Google as a percentage of total digital advertising revenues worldwide is predicted to touch 32.5 per cent this year. Facebook’s digital ad revenue was 33.84 per cent of the total digital revenues globally in 2018, according to Statista.

Newspapers and other media like TV, the original news producers, realise (rather late in the day) that the money they invest to produce quality journalism — where you pose tough questions to those in power — is now being peddled for cheap online, or for free. We produce the news, you pay Big Tech. Why? Because they have better technology and e-delivery systems. Which brings me to a recent report in Britain that raises concerns about the sustainability of the news media. Dame Frances Cairncross, who was appointed by

Journalists ask tough questions, even to the pope. That’s our job. It is also time governments step in to stem the rot on social media in the name of news.

the government to probe the issue, warned that the collapse of the news industry could threaten democracies.

Her report called for an investigation into Facebook and Google’s near monopoly over Net ads. Local journalism and small newspapers have gone bust and several journalists have been sacked in many countries. In this scenario, her report suggests direct government funding for public-interest news outlets. The report also sought rules to govern the relationship between publishers and Big Tech. A regulator would ensure Big Tech gives news media due credit (and share revenues) while creating a level playing field.

Now, let me get back to Pope Francis and the barrage of questions he faced from journalists on the return flight to the Vatican from the UAE. The Pope was grilled about the scandals that have enveloped the Catholic church and answered them all patiently. He said he was ashamed that nuns were abused, and said the guilty would be punished under the law.

That session gave me some hope about the media profession. Journalists ask tough questions, even to the pope. That’s our job. It is also time governments step in to stem the rot on social media in the name of news. Incentives, tax exemptions and support for quality journalism are welcome. And don’t forget those prayers for the media. That’s me crossing the professional line to get ‘personal’.