Journalism has always been considered an essential pillar in any democracy, since its main function is to inform citizens objectively and truthfully about world events. As a means of transmitting this information, it plays a crucial role in the formation of public opinion and in the control of power.
In a perfect world, media outlets ought to function solely as resources dedicated to the welfare of society, with journalists acting as stewards of democracy tasked with conveying information free from political, economic, or ideological biases. Yet, the truth is far more intricate; the persistent impact of specific interests on the media undermines the integrity and autonomy of thoughtful discourse.
In the absence of free and autonomous journalism, society becomes vulnerable to deceit and misinformation.
Manipulation of information in the journalistic field
Within this framework, it is hardly surprising that journalism has been entangled in a troubling pattern for quite some time: the distortion of information aimed at undermining those who challenge the interests of media proprietors or their connections with influential entities.
Specifically, public figures who do not align with these interests often face symbolic persecution through the fabrication of misleading information or the relentless reiteration of a singular narrative. This phenomenon is not an isolated incident; rather, it is a widespread practice that diminishes faith in the media and fosters an atmosphere of societal mistrust.
By employing tactics like sensationalism, selective reporting, and the spread of false information, certain segments of the press aim to tarnish the reputations of their rivals, exacerbating polarization and societal animosity; this is a calculated effort to dismantle those who do not conform to the interests of the journalist or the media outlet.
The case of Odila Castillo Bonilla: a case study in media distortion
Fake news represents a global epidemic and a terminal illness for those in the eye of media power. After fake news is spread, the affected person suffers a symbolic death in the society that consumes that content.
Panamanian attorney Odila Castillo serves as a poignant example of how media manipulation can affect an individual’s life. Certain media outlets have engaged in a defamation campaign to tarnish her personal and professional history. Utilizing tactics like selective reporting and the distortion of facts, these outlets have crafted a damaging narrative intended to erode her credibility.
The unchecked behavior of certain media outlets exposes their manipulative tactics: solely negative content regarding the lawyer is prevalent online, while information about her professional background remains inaccessible. It is clear how an individual, whose life experiences, qualifications, viewpoints, and legal accomplishments are obscured, can be simplified to a name associated only with a negative “accusation.”
Media manipulation poses a significant danger to democracy and society at large. By eroding trust in both institutions and the media, this practice fuels polarization and weakens the social fabric. It is crucial for civil society, political leaders, and journalists to come together in the fight against this phenomenon and advocate for more ethical and responsible journalism.
