It is no more news to most journalists that today, May 3, 2024, is been celebrated as World Press Freedom Day. It is a day that is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
However, as they day serves as a moment for reflection and commentary, permit me as a journalist, to highlight a frequently overlooked truth, which is the pivotal role that journalism plays in cultivating the public personas of celebrities and notable figures as their prominence and acclaim are often significantly shaped by the narratives and exposure provided by the press.
In fact, there is no denying the fact that the foregoing headline emphasizes the role of journalists as essential, yet often unrecognized contributors to the fame of celebrities.
Without a doubt, it is not an exaggeration to opine that in the grand theater of public life, where politicians, corporate players and entertainers bask under the relentless spotlight, there exists a cadre of professionals who, despite playing a pivotal role in the narrative, often remain in the wings, unnoticed and underappreciated. These are the journalists, the chroniclers of our times, the unsung heroes who weave the threads of information into the tapestry of public consciousness.
In fact, Journalists are the architects of fame, the ones who introduce the world to the faces and voices that come to dominate the airwaves and the political arena. They are the gatekeepers who decide which story gets told and how, shaping perceptions and, by extension, the very fabric of the society. Yet, paradoxically, the very individuals they elevate often overlook the significance of this craft. Some even see them as beggars when interviews or comments on trending issues are sought for from them.
Given the foregoing sentiments, it is germane to opine that the relationship between journalists and celebrities or better still famous people, be they politicians, actors, or musicians, and corporate figures across various sectors of the economy is a complex one. The relationship is no doubt a symbiotic dance of visibility and influence, where each step taken by one affects the other’s rhythm. Journalists rely on celebrities to fill their columns and airtime, while celebrities need journalists to amplify their presence and reach. However, this mutual dependency does not always translate into mutual respect.
It is not uncommon to hear of celebrities who, having ascended the ladder of fame, disregard the rungs that elevated them. Journalists, who once chronicled their every move and milestone, are now seen as mere tools, disposable once their utility wanes. This ingratitude is not just a personal slight; it is a disregard for the profession that holds public figures accountable and keeps the populace informed.
The irony is stark as journalists who grant celebrities their platform, are themselves relegated to the background with their importance downplayed. In the whirlwind of glamour and power, the quiet dedication of reporters, the risks they take, and the integrity they uphold, are often forgotten. Yet, without their relentless pursuit of truth and their commitment to the public’s right to know, the stories that shape our world would remain untold.
As we navigate an era where information is both weapon and currency, the role of journalists cannot be overstated. They are the bridge between the public and those who wish to lead or entertain them. They are the watchdogs, the truth-seekers, and often, the voice of the voiceless. It is time that their collective contribution is recognized and celebrated, not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of a functioning society.
Without a doubt, the plight of journalists is emblematic of a broader societal trend that undervalues the creators in favor of the creation. In a world that celebrates the end product, the process, and those who labor through it, are often disregarded. This is a call to action, a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the silent partners in the dance of fame, who are invariably the journalists who, with their ‘invisible ink,’ write the stories that the world reads with bated breath.
As we consume the latest news and gossip, let us remember the unseen hands that brought them to us. Let us give credit where it is due and honor the journalists, not as mere conduits of information, but as the essential pillars of the fourth estate. For in their words lies the power to elevate the mundane to the magnificent, and in their stories, the power to shape our understanding of the world.
Whether anyone agrees with this writer’s view or not, Journalists are the alchemists of the modern age, turning the leaden exploits of everyday into the gold of headline news. They are the storytellers whose pens breathe life into the images and actions of those who seek the public’s adoration. Through interviews, features, and relentless coverage, journalists forge the myths and legends of our time. But as the spotlight grows brighter on these newly minted icons, the creators of their fame recede further into the background, their contributions forgotten.
The irony is as profound as it is unjust. Without the diligent work of journalists, many celebrities would remain mere whispers in the cacophony of potential stars. It is the press that often recognizes talent, brings issues to light, and holds public figures to account. Yet, when the applause rings out, it is rarely for those who penned the first draft of history.
This ingratitude is not merely an oversight; it is a systemic issue that plagues the industry. Journalists face an uphill battle for recognition and respect, even as they shoulder the responsibility of informing the public and shaping societal discourse. They operate in a realm where clicks and ratings dictate value, and where the depth of investigation and quality of writing are often overshadowed by the allure of celebrity.
Any reader of this piece whose view on this topic agrees with this writer’s, no doubt, might have heard of how celebrities in Nigeria’s entertainment space lament on how a music icon he or she made to “blow” trolled him or her on social media space, and that if not for him, the younger musician or singer would not have had the opportunity to “blow”.
For instance, “Akwei grace” seems to be a phrase associated with **Portable**, also known as Zazoo, a street pop singer and performer who has rapidly emerged in the Nigerian music scene. The phrase “Akwei grace” is mentioned in the context of Portable’s journey and his ability to defy expectations and make waves in the music industry. It appears to be a signature tune or catchphrase that he uses, which has become part of his identity as an artist.
In a similar vein, political godfathers are often heard boasting about how they made their “godsons” the political colossus and “juggernauts” he has become, and sometimes how disappointed they are for not being recognized or acknowledged as the architects behind their fame. Believe this writer or not, without the journalists, celebrities would not be popular,” as the relationship between journalists and celebrities is indeed significant. Journalists play a crucial role in reporting on celebrities, which can contribute to their fame.
However, as unwitting as most famous people are, particularly as to the role journalists play in their journeys to fame, they always fail to recognize journalists as the professionals who took risks in demonstrating their collective power to shape narratives and influence public opinion toward them, which have certainly influenced their popularity. The foregoing view cannot be pooh-poohed as Journalists have what it takes to turn local talents into global stars, in the same way a politician at the ward level can be turned to a political icon at the national level, even as they would remain in newsrooms, on the streets, and at various offices and event Centers, plying their trades in ensuring that they remain the ones controlling that limelight that beams on the popular people they invariably nurtured to fame.
In as much as this writer has touched an interesting aspect of success and recognition in various fields, that does not mean that he is oblivious of the fact that God, the Almighty destiny changer, and indeed, mentors, political godfathers, and other influential figures can play a significant role in the careers of artists, politicians, and professionals as they provide guidance, support, and sometimes the necessary connections that help individuals advance.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing view, it is germane to opine that journalists also play a crucial role in this ecosystem as they bring stories to light, highlight achievements, and sometimes act as gatekeepers to public attention. The exposure they provide has always been pivotal in shaping public perception and has been amplifying the reach of famous people’s collective work or message.
In fact, it is a symbiotic relationship where each party contributes to the success of the other. While talent and hard work are foundational, the visibility and endorsement provided by mentors and media can indeed be instrumental in one’s journey to recognition and influence.
