The press is often called the 4th estate of the realm because of its duty of educating and informing the public while acting as a watchdog for publicly elected officials. To achieve its duties, the press is independent of political influence. Therefore, it is disheartening to witness an attempt by the FATSSSA House of Representatives to subjugate and undermine the independence of the FATSSSA press. Recent developments surrounding the constitutional mandate to form a publications committee have put us at a crossroads, and, as an independent body, we find it necessary to address the obvious political interference.
The constitution of the Faculty of The Social Sciences Students’ Association mandates the establishment of a publications committee headed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the executive council, with the editor-in-chief of the press serving as the deputy. In the same vein, whilst the constitution coerces the press to be a member of the publication committee, rather than seek its consent to affirm the autonomy the press wields, the constitution further provides that, the PRO “Shall have a portion of the FATSSSA Pressboard”further violating the autonomy of the press as the constitution does not provide that the PRO having a portion of the FATSSSA press board should be subject to the approval of the press. While these seemingly harmless directives are aimed at fostering cooperation and streamlining communication, this provision effectively places the independent Press under the direct influence of the executive council. Such a move is a blatant infringement on the freedom of the press, contradicting the provisions for the independence of the Press contained in the same constitution.
The core of journalism lies in its independence. The press must operate without undue influence from political bodies, ensuring it can hold those in power accountable and provide an unfiltered and unwatered truth to the public. The proposed publications committee threatens the Press’ independence with its leadership structure, reducing the press to a mouthpiece for the executive council. This is not only a disservice to the principles of journalism but also to the very fabric of our academic community, which thrives on free and open discourse.
The legislative house’s recent threats of disciplinary action against the press for refusing to comply with this unconstitutional overreach are deeply troubling. It is a stark reminder of the lengths to which some are willing to go to stifle dissent and establish hegemony over other independent estates of the realm. These actions are antithetical to the values of press freedom and democracy that our faculty’s student association espouses.
We must ask ourselves: What kind of precedent are we setting if we allow this encroachment on press freedom to go unchallenged? Are we willing to sacrifice the integrity of our press for the sake of political expediency? The answer must be a resounding no. The press is not an arm of the executive council or the legislative house; it is an independent entity that serves the entire faculty community. We must ensure that the press remains free from political interference, allowing it to operate with the autonomy necessary to fulfill its role as a watchdog and a beacon of truth.
The executive council’s role is to serve the student body’s interests, not to impose their will on independent organizations. Respecting the autonomy of the press should be non-negotiable as a testament to their commitment to democratic principles. Since the executive council has failed to recognize its duty, the members of the legislative house should strive to protect and enhance the freedom of the press. However, it is evident that the executive and legislative councils are in cahoots to bring the Press to its knees by stripping it of its freedom and independence.
The press would like to emphasise that the integrity and independence of FATSSSA Press are non-negotiable. We reject any attempts to subjugate our editorial freedom and call on the legislative house to amend the Constitution to reflect the true spirit of a free press. Let us uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the press remains a pillar of truth and integrity in our academic community.
