Journalists Must Not Be Mere Ornaments in Media Stories

Journalism serves as a vital pillar of democracy, necessitating suspicion, curiosity, and a persistent pursuit of truth, according to an article in Večernji List. The profession demands courage and a willingness to resist centers of power, acting as a crucial mechanism for informing citizens. However, the current landscape for journalists, both in Croatia and globally, is far from ideal, marked by significant financial and staffing shortages and constant pressure from political and economic forces.

Journalists facing existential threats can become easy targets, especially as those they scrutinize wield far greater power. This imbalance is exacerbated by tactics like Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), which Croatian journalists have increasingly faced. The Croatian Journalists' Association (HND) reports that Croatia has repeatedly ranked high in Europe for SLAPP suit filings, with some lawsuits seeking damages up to ten million euros. These suits represent a particularly insidious form of pressure on the profession.

Financially, the media industry is in crisis. While the European Parliament has outlined a draft for the EU's next long-term budget (2028-2034), which includes support for culture, media, and civil society, the European Federation of Journalists warns that the proposed funding for journalism is inadequate. This shortfall signals a worrying lack of political commitment to meaningfully support European journalism.

Despite these challenges, the article argues that journalism must be supported. It posits that without brave journalists exposing scandals and holding power to account, society would be far less informed and potentially more corrupt. Investigative journalism, in particular, is highlighted as the most demanding and costly form of the profession, often involving months of research that can lead to protracted legal battles.