the fifth estate?

Like many I'm sure, I managed to catch up on some sofa time over the last few days watching the odd Christmas film. We enjoyed the George Clooney, Ed Murrow film Good Night, and Good Luck. Although, I confess to having only a passing knowledge of this fascinating period of American history and the role of the media at the time, I was interested in some of the parallels with today's world. At one point they discussed the case of a military man, who had been found guilty without knowing the charges against him nor having the opportunity to defend himself. Quite rightly, this was seen as desperately unfair and unconstitutional, it made me think of Guantanamo bay and the sort of human rights that are afforded there, one cameraman has been held now without trial for more than five years. Meanwhile Bush approves new terms which apparently give greater protections to bloggers at the same time as bloggers in many states are persecuted and arrested. The media, in its broadest sense, must continue to reveal uncomfortable truths and ask uncomfortable questions as the definition of what constitutes journalism must evolve to encompass all those who carry out this valuable function for society, even if they do not come from a traditional route.