Column: LIFE WITHOUT JOURNALISM — THE SOUND OF DANGEROUS SILENCE
‘Erraticality‘ with Da-Silva .O. Johnson.
Weekly Column, any issues on TEC News Columnists Platform.
LIFE WITHOUT JOURNALISM — THE SOUND OF DANGEROUS SILENCE
Columnist – Da-Silva Johnson | TEC News
A few hours ago, as I was scrolling through my social media feed, I came across a short but powerful quote:
“Without journalism, life would feel like a closed room — quiet, yes, but also blind and uninformed. Boring… and maybe even dangerous.”
That simple sentence sat heavily on my chest.
It was one of those posts that say so much with so few words. It immediately stirred my mind. It spoke to something we often take for granted — journalism, and the power of the press. And so I’ve chosen to develop that quote into this week’s column, not just to reflect on its meaning, but to remind us all of what journalism truly represents. The anonymous writer of the quote is highly given the credit.
The quote came with attached picture of someone holding a T-shirt with a bold message on it:
“PRESS FREEDOM IS NOT A PRIVILEGE. IT’S A RIGHT.”
Another powerful reminder — and a call to awareness.
A Quiet World Is Not Always a Safe World
Now imagine a world without journalism.
No daily news.
No bold headlines.
No exposés.
No interviews.
No investigative reports.
No radio presenters, no photojournalists, no editors staying up all night for the front page.
Just silence.
At first glance, such a world may seem peaceful — no shouting matches on TV, no political scandals breaking by the hour, no bad news. But that peace is a dangerous illusion.
Because without journalism, a society loses its ability to see, speak, and question. Life becomes like a closed, dark room. You may not hear much, but that’s not because all is well — it’s because the truth is being hidden.
Without journalism, we wouldn’t know when injustice is being committed.
We wouldn’t know who is stealing from the public purse.
We wouldn’t know when laws are changed overnight to suit a few.
We wouldn’t know when the hungry are silenced, when the weak are crushed, when the voiceless are pushed further into the shadows.
Journalism as a Lifeline
Journalism is not just about broadcasting events. It is about documenting history as it happens. It is about giving voice to the voiceless. It is about shining light in dark places, and holding the mirror up to society so we can see ourselves — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
A strong press questions power. It defends democracy. It connects the people to the truth.
When a building collapses, it’s journalists who show us the faces of the victims.
When elections are rigged, it’s the press that investigates the figures.
When an orphanage is mismanaged, it is a journalist’s camera that captures the forgotten cries.
When a community is neglected, it is the reporter’s pen that tells the world.
In countries where journalism is stifled or controlled, the people suffer in silence. History has shown us repeatedly that dictatorship flourishes where the press is caged. Corruption deepens when questions are no longer asked. And societies begin to rot when lies are treated as facts and facts are buried under the carpet.
A Call to Action
Today, more than ever, we need journalism. And not just any journalism — but one that is courageous, ethical, community-focused, and independent.
We must support it, not suppress it.
We must protect press freedom, not politicize or punish it. Arbitrary and unlawful arrest of a journalist reveals the lawlessness level of the master minders. When a journalist is locked, citizens are locked. When you bar a reporter, you bar the right to know of the people.
We must allow reporters to do their work — even when the truths they report are uncomfortable.
Let us also remember that journalism isn’t only what happens in major newsrooms. Every blogger, community reporter, student press member, campus radio host, local columnist, or photojournalist with a keen eye and a bold spirit is part of the same mission — to inform, educate, hold power accountable, and preserve truth.
So the next time you see a journalist doing their job — holding a mic, asking a tough question, writing under the pressure of deadlines, or standing in the rain to report a protest — know this:
They are not just doing a job.
They are protecting your right to know.
They are defending your freedom to choose.
And they are risking comfort to bring truth into the public square.
In Conclusion
A life without journalism is not just quiet.
It is blind. It is boring. It is dangerous.
Let’s not wait until we lose it before we realize how essential it is.
As the T-shirt boldly declared:
“Press freedom is not a privilege. It’s a right.”
Let us treat it as such — and let us defend it always.
For those journalists out there, keep the flag flying, keep the ethics intact and be professional in your duties. Speak always and report the truth, nothing but the truth. Be fearless and courageous for the future that must not rupture. Ask the necessary question no matter how tough and no matter who is hurt. Remember you are not just serving the nation but most importantly; the people.
