Written By David Gomez
A few weeks ago, I came across an article discussing the growing threats to democracies worldwide, as well as the increasing pressure on press freedom and the practice of journalism. In previous columns, I have written about the rise of radicalism, often represented by ultra-nationalism, predominantly right-wing politicians in numerous countries. However, it’s equally important to recognize that freedom of expression itself faces ongoing challenges.
Take Peru, for example—my country of origin. Corruption and violence have escalated to such a degree in recent years that the government now openly threatens investigative journalists who expose its wrongdoings. In a nation where an average of five people are murdered daily, practising journalism is very dangerous. Imagine trying to fulfil your professional duties under the constant shadow of potential harm. Even the Peruvian police, far from being a reliable institution, are entangled in the corruption that plagues the system. It deeply saddens me to witness the suffering of the country where my grandparents and parents still live.
Some months ago, I received letters from a reader who shared their thoughts on my views regarding international politics, expressing concerns about the level of detail and rigour in my opinion pieces, particularly in this column. The reader felt that I might not be staying fully up-to-date on developments both within Canada and internationally. I value this feedback, as it underscores the importance of remaining well-informed. While The Middlesex Banner naturally focuses on local news, as is expected of a local paper, I also believe it’s beneficial for readers to occasionally gain insight into broader global issues. Even brief updates about events in other provinces, neighbouring countries, or across continents can enhance our understanding of the challenges we face locally. Staying aware of global affairs not only deepens our knowledge but also strengthens our connection to the wider world.
Journalists in countries like Peru, where freedom of expression is constantly under attack, face daily limitations, not just in their ability to report the news, but also in their personal safety and their access to accurate, timely information. The threats they encounter are real and often life-threatening. I am incredibly fortunate to live in Canada and be part of this vibrant community, where my work is not hindered by such severe risks.
During this year, The Middlesex Banner has made significant progress. We have expanded our news coverage, increased the frequency of council meeting reports, transitioned to full-colour pages, enhanced readability with larger font, introduced new sections, and developed a closer relationship with the community. We also launched a new website (middlesexbanner.ca), which I encourage everyone to visit. Our focus has always been to provide a product that reflects our readers’ needs, and we are constantly striving to improve.
Of course, there’s always more work to be done, and I welcome your input on how we can continue to grow. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me at david@middlesexbanner.ca, whether it’s suggestions, recommendations, or general feedback. For example, I have been thinking about including an international news section. Would you be interested? I would love to hear your thoughts and understand what matters most to you as a reader.
Next month, I will delve into the various improvements we have implemented at The Banner in greater detail. I remain committed to contributing the best of my journalistic expertise and experience. After all, I have always believed that journalism is, at its core, a public service. Our primary duty is, and always will be, to keep the public informed.
