Publishers, the Nation’s Watchdogs, Left Unprotected

 

In every society, publishers and journalists stand as the bridge between power and the people. They are called upon to provide credible reports, to shine light where there is darkness, and to hold institutions accountable. The country demands accuracy, fairness, and integrity from them. Almost every sector, government, business, and civil society leans on their work to validate decisions and inform policies. Yet, in the midst of this heavy responsibility, one truth is often ignored: no one seems to care about the security and welfare of the very people tasked with this duty.

The contradiction is stark. Publishers are expected to risk it all for the sake of credible reportage, but their protection is treated as an afterthought. Too many times, stories have emerged of publishers being harassed, intimidated, or even attacked, yet official responses remain muted. While nations spend billions protecting political leaders, business elites, and even celebrities, little to nothing is invested in the safety of those who protect the public’s right to know.

Beyond security, welfare is another neglected frontier. The publishing industry in many developing countries is starved of funding, access to resources, and institutional support. Many publishers operate at the edge of survival, struggling with printing costs, digital migration, and hostile market conditions. Still, they are expected to maintain credibility and neutrality, an almost impossible expectation when basic welfare needs are ignored.

If society truly values credible reports, then it must equally value those who produce them. Protecting publishers is not charity; it is an investment in democracy, accountability, and nation-building. Without secure and well-supported publishers, credible information becomes vulnerable to distortion, propaganda, and silence.

It is time leaders and institutions realized that publishers are not expendable. They are the guardians of truth, and their security and welfare should be treated as a national priority. A nation that neglects its watchdogs only makes itself more vulnerable to lies, corruption, and tyranny.