News media is more influential nowadays. Some people think it is a negative development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

To begin, the expanded reach of news media strengthens accountability and keeps citizens informed of events that directly affect their lives. To clarify, when journalists investigate corruption or expose corporate misconduct, the resulting public pressure often compels authorities to act swiftly, something that would be far less likely without widespread media coverage amplifying the story to a national or even global audience. Moreover, the sheer speed at which news now travels means that people can respond to emergencies, from natural disasters to public health crises, far more quickly than in the past, since warnings and safety information reach millions of households within minutes rather than days. This immediacy can genuinely save lives, as communities gain the lead time needed to evacuate, stockpile supplies, or seek medical care before a crisis fully unfolds.

However, this growing influence becomes genuinely harmful only when audiences lack the skills to evaluate what they read and watch critically. This is attributable to the fact that the same platforms that spread verified reporting also circulate unverified rumours and sensationalised headlines designed purely to attract attention. Consequently, individuals who consume news passively, without cross-checking sources, may form opinions based on distorted or incomplete information, which can deepen social division rather than inform genuine debate. Hence, whether this trend proves beneficial or damaging ultimately hinges on whether schools and families equip people with the media literacy needed to distinguish credible reporting from misleading content.

To conclude, although some dismiss the rising influence of news media as inherently negative, I believe it is predominantly a positive development that strengthens accountability and public awareness, provided that audiences are taught to consume it critically.