What is the news media for? It seems an obvious question, but on the day that 300 American outlets have joined forces to publish editorials in response to attacks on their credibility by their own president, it is one worth considering. Donald Trump has repeatedly maligned the mainstream media as “the enemy of the people”, disseminating ‘‘fake, fake disgusting news”.
To paraphrase this morning's pushback, orchestrated by The Boston Globe, the press isn't the enemy of the people. It is the people.
Being prepared to question Mr Trump is part of the journalist’s job description – a role never more important than in this era of, as it were, “real” fake news. Without a press to filter fact from fiction and to speak truth unto power there is no check on political or commercial expediency, no anchor to prevent a steady drift towards moral compromise. Around the world there is a sorry history of journalists being demonised, attacked and even murdered.
Turkey is one of the worst offenders, jailing a record number of journalists. And Myanmar continues to imprison two reporters for their work on the Rohingya. From Malta to Brazil, members of the press have been murdered already this year.
The US media, protected since 1791 by the First Amendment, has often appeared immune. But now, according to the United Nations, Mr Trump’s efforts to “undermine confidence in reporting and raise doubts about verifiable facts ... increase the risk of journalists being targeted with violence”.
It is 101 years since the prize for journalistic excellence, founded by newspaperman Joseph Pulitzer, was first awarded. And this year’s winners were the latest in a long and distinguished line to demonstrate the immense value of the media.
In the pages of his own paper, The New York World, Pulitzer himself fought many battles against corruption in government and business. "Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together," he wrote in 1904.
At this pivotal moment, when norms and decency so often lie in tatters, it is crucial that the press is not only supported – but actively protected.
Dubai World Cup Carnival card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m
The National selections:
6.30pm - Ziyadd; 7.05pm - Barney Roy; 7.40pm - Dee Ex Bee; 8.15pm - Dubai Legacy; 8.50pm - Good Fortune; 9.25pm - Drafted; 10pm - Simsir
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
READ MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
Company Profile
Company name: Hoopla
Date started: March 2023
Founder: Jacqueline Perrottet
Based: Dubai
Number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Investment required: $500,000
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE SWIMMERS
Director: Sally El-Hosaini
Stars: Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Ahmed Malek and Ali Suliman
Rating: 4/5
Bharatanatyam
A ancient classical dance from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Intricate footwork and expressions are used to denote spiritual stories and ideas.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Haltia.ai
Started: 2023
Co-founders: Arto Bendiken and Talal Thabet
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: AI
Number of employees: 41
Funding: About $1.7 million
Investors: Self, family and friends
The Cairo Statement
1: Commit to countering all types of terrorism and extremism in all their manifestations
2: Denounce violence and the rhetoric of hatred
3: Adhere to the full compliance with the Riyadh accord of 2014 and the subsequent meeting and executive procedures approved in 2014 by the GCC
4: Comply with all recommendations of the Summit between the US and Muslim countries held in May 2017 in Saudi Arabia.
5: Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries and of supporting rogue entities.
6: Carry out the responsibility of all the countries with the international community to counter all manifestations of extremism and terrorism that threaten international peace and security
Opening weekend Premier League fixtures
Weekend of August 10-13
Arsenal v Manchester City
Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Huddersfield Town v Chelsea
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Burnley
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton
The specs
Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Power: 300hp
Torque: 420Nm
Price: Dh189,900
On sale: now