Martin Luther once said, “Peace if possible, truth at all costs.” Before we attempt to answer whether the media has an obligation to always tell the truth, we need to first make clear the definitions of media and always in the context of this question. The media refers to all types of media regardless of whether it is print media, news on the radio or television media. It however excludes gossip tabloids and the likes since such forms of reading materials serves the sole purpose of entertainment. Social media is not included since it is rather extensive and the boundaries are rather fuzzy and unclear. Rephrasing the question for clarity, the media has the duty to tell the truth at all times regardless of the events presented, extenuating circumstances or even for the sake of commercial profits. I agree with this statement based on the idea that the media is the main source of information for common people on the streets and if the media does not strive to always tell the truth, media loses its appeal and value to the people. Moreover, if the truth is not told by the media, this can lead to disastrous consequences. Media plays an important role in the education of children and teenagers and updates them on the events that occur worldwide.
Media is the main source of information for the people on the streets and this is the case regardless whether it is print media, news on the television or radio. Newspapers, radio broadcasts and television news programmes provide citizens with updates on the happenings around them and also worldwide. Therefore, it is easy to see that the media plays an essential role in the lives of people since news about one’s surroundings and the world is garnered from the media which is available to us. Much information ranging from news in the fields of sports to economy to science are presented in the media on a day-to day basis and these information enrich our