By Felicity Makhafola
In a world where breaking news reaches our phones within seconds, many people believe newspapers and professional newsrooms have become outdated. With social media platforms providing instant updates on almost every event, it is easy to overlook the vital role journalism continues to play. Yet, despite the rapid growth of digital platforms, credible journalism is more important now than ever.
Social media has transformed the way we consume information, making news more accessible than ever before. While this has many benefits, it has also made it easier for misinformation and unverified claims to spread. Too often, people share information without taking the time to verify whether it is accurate. As a result, responsible journalism—grounded in accuracy, fairness, and accountability—has become increasingly essential.
Journalism does far more than report current events. It helps people understand issues that affect their daily lives, from government decisions and service delivery to education, crime, healthcare, and the economy. It gives communities a voice, holds those in positions of authority accountable, and shines a light on stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As a final-year Integrated Communications student currently completing my Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at Community Newsroom, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the role journalism plays in society. I have also witnessed its impact at Tshwane University of Technology, where student journalists consistently keep the campus community informed about important developments. Through collaborations with news platforms serving the Soshanguve community, these stories often reach audiences beyond the university, benefiting both students and local residents.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that journalism is not simply about reporting events—it is about connecting people with reliable, trustworthy information that empowers them to make informed decisions.
Working in a newsroom has also shown me that every published story is the result of thorough research, rigorous fact-checking, ethical decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to fairness. Readers may not always see this process, but it is what distinguishes professional journalism from the endless stream of unverified content circulating across social media.
This is not to suggest that social media has no place in modern journalism. On the contrary, it has become an invaluable tool for sharing information quickly and reaching wider audiences. However, it should complement credible journalism rather than replace it. When people rely solely on online posts without questioning their accuracy, they become increasingly vulnerable to misinformation, manipulation, and false narratives.
As someone preparing to enter the communications industry, I believe protecting journalism is not only the responsibility of journalists—it is also the responsibility of every reader. We all have a role to play by questioning what we read, verifying sources before sharing information, and supporting news organisations committed to ethical, accurate, and independent reporting.
In an age where anyone can publish information with a single click, credibility has become journalism’s greatest strength. Technology will continue to evolve, and the way we consume news will undoubtedly change. However, the need for accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism will remain constant.
A well-informed society begins with credible information—and that is something worth protecting.
