Strengthen the fourth estate for a stronger society

Why did two Australian journalists, Bill Birtles and Mike Smith, working in China, suddenly go to their embassy and then quickly return to Australia? Is it because another Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who works for an official Chinese media organisation, has been detained and held by authorities?

The Chinese government wanted to speak to them, and this has not always been a positive experience for journalists there and in a number of countries around the world. Journalism has been under attack globally. Is it because political leaders fear the truth?

Such concerns are being reported in countries that have a free press. Journalists should be allowed to report, discuss issues openly and more importantly without any fear of retribution. Retribution may be an exaggeration, but the reality is people in this profession have died for uncovering the bitter truth.

The truth is out there but can we be sure that we are getting an accurate and complete news report? Journalists should keep fighting.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia