Dabian: Press Day: A Call to Young People to Build Journalism’s Future

ORANJESTAD – On the occasion of Press Day on September 1, young people in Aruba who are interested in journalism are being encouraged to prepare themselves professionally and recognize that journalism involves far more than simply publishing news.

A professional and responsible press is an important pillar of a democratic society. It informs, educates, alerts the public and provides citizens with access to information of public interest. To fulfill that responsibility, journalists must investigate, verify information, listen to different perspectives and present facts clearly, fairly and responsibly.

For young people considering journalism as a career, preparation can begin at school, with emphasis on languages, reading, history, economics, law, technology, critical thinking, research and the ability to ask the right questions.

Ethics remains one of journalism’s fundamental principles. Journalists should never invent facts or quotes, manipulate information or present an allegation as a proven fact. When mistakes are made, they should be corrected clearly.

In an era dominated by social media, fake news, deepfakes and artificial intelligence, verification has become even more important. The central principle is simple: “Do not publish because it is viral; verify because you are a journalist.”

Artificial intelligence can assist journalists with transcription, translation, organization and analysis of information, but it does not replace professional responsibility. Journalists remain responsible for verifying information before publication.

The message to the next generation is not to focus solely on fame or followers, but on credibility, knowledge and integrity.

Aruba needs a new generation of journalists who are well prepared, independent, technologically capable and conscious of their social responsibility.

On Press Day, the message is clear: prepare yourself, study, investigate, verify, maintain your integrity and never lose respect for the truth.