by Valentina Zoccali (S-Com)
Since I developed a political consciousness, I have participated in numerous protests and initiatives by activists in Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Malta. I’ve witnessed people rise for freedom of expression and the defence of democracy, to protect those who have suffered violence, and to challenge repressive policies. I’ve seen mobilizations for peace, solidarity, and humanity. In every street that activists walked, politics pulsed intensely. This was vibrant politics, fueled by deep reflection and tangible realities, a thriving activism where individuals united to participate actively in change. Every protest is not merely an act of defiance but a powerful call for freedom of expression and democracy. Thousands of activists and civil society organisations generate a lot of news to expose injustices. And alongside them, sometimes invisibly, are journalists.
Traditionally, journalism is reduced to an exercise in impartiality, aiming to provide accurate and balanced information without taking sides. However, journalists have a moral responsibility to take a stand against injustice, human rights violations, or global crises, denouncing and supporting what is right. In these cases, remaining silent or maintaining a neutral stance is a form of complicity or indifference.
The neutrality of journalism, a sacred principle in many training schools, increasingly appears inadequate in a context where democratic values and democracies themselves are threatened by authoritarian and reactionary political movements. This is no longer the time to stay neutral. Across many European countries, we witness increased censorship practices and tighter controls from governments and platform multinationals. Meanwhile, mainstream media increasingly aligns itself with dominant economic and political interests. Today, journalists face unprecedented pressures from government institutions and private entities that undermine their role as guardians of truth. Recently, freedom of expression and the media’s role as a watchdog have been limited by restricted access to public-interest information from governments and institutions, including expenses, contracts and tenders involving public and EU funds, as well as the academic records of public officials. Investigative journalists and NGOs are often forced to sue ministries or state-controlled local entities to gain access to public information. Some reporters have been harassed, sued, or even threatened with death by the authorities they were investigating. The growing polarisation of public debate, fueled by a narrative that demonises dissenting voices, puts our freedom of expression at risk. In this context, journalism cannot afford to bow to convenient neutrality.
There are situations in which journalistic neutrality can become an obstacle to truth and justice. Under regimes that suppress freedom of expression, journalists are responsible for resisting the narrative imposed by those in power. Authoritarian governments can exploit neutrality to manipulate public opinion and maintain control. In these cases, journalism becomes a tool of resistance and defence of freedom. (Continued on website)
With the spread of fake news and manipulating information on social media, neutrality can become dangerous. Giving equal weight to false or misleading information alongside verified facts can distort public debate. In this sense, journalists are responsible for verifying sources and fighting disinformation, taking a stand for the truth.
Journalists have a responsibility not only toward impartiality but also toward humanity and ethics. During the investigative journalism training we organised in Brussels as part of the S-INFO project, Hélène Constanty from MediaPart emphasised how investigative journalism has never been neutral, and this is one of its unique features. Conducting an investigation requires dedication, time, and passion. Investigative journalism is inherently tied to conscious choices, deep motivations, and an active commitment to change. This type of journalism seeks to “take sides” with the truth, exposing corruption and abuses and acting as a watchdog over power. Its strength lies in giving voice to those without one, contributing to building a fairer society.
This is why it is essential to counter “fast information,” which journalists are compelled toward today, with “slow journalism” that adopts an investigative approach to respond to this crisis: information that takes the time to verify, analyse, and present complex facts ethically and responsibly.
Journalists and activists operate on the ground and complement each other. Still, their relationship is complex: activists often doubt mainstream journalism’s ability to adequately represent their struggles, while journalists fear compromising their impartiality. This crisis of trust is not merely a matter of communication but represents a crucial challenge for our democracy.
There is an urgency in rebuilding this bond and creating an alliance that restores credibility to both parties and contributes to a more complete, honest, and ethical narrative. Democracy needs journalists who interpret information as a battleground, with a political commitment aspiring to social change. Journalists know there is no “neutral” journalism: every word spoken, every silence chosen, is an act of responsibility.
Through shared commitment and an alliance between activists and journalists, we can tackle the challenges of our time. This synergy amplifies the voices of those fighting for social justice and creates a network of mutual support and accountability. Activists, with their passion and commitment on the ground, bring crucial issues to light and denounce injustices that often go unnoticed. On the other hand, journalists are tasked with documenting and disseminating these realities, providing media visibility that can catalyse significant change.
Democracy itself is nourished by a free and independent press. Without journalism capable of exercising its role as a watchdog, society risks slipping into authoritarianism, where control of information becomes a weapon against freedom of expression. When journalists and activists collaborate, they create a balance that keeps public discourse alive and holds power accountable. Only by joining forces can we confront democratic challenges—from the climate crisis to social injustices—and build a fairer and more sustainable future for all. Because there is no democracy without free journalism.