Journalists Charged To Uphold Highest Journalistic Standards

NEWS COMMENTARY GIVES A CHARGE TO JOURNALISTS TO UPHOLD HIGHEST JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS

Over the weekend the media fraternity in Ghana witnessed two very important events that have the tendency to shape the political discourse and mirrors the psyche and dynamics of the consciousness of society. These events were the 25th Ghana Journalists Awards Night and the Climax of the 70th Anniversary of Ghana’s premier newspaper, the Daily Graphic.

Coincidentally, both organizations have clocked the 70-year milestone. Also, the GJA and Graphic celebrated excellence in Journalism by recognizing persons who have contributed to achieving this enviable feat. The dominant message of the day was a re-echo to journalists to uphold higher standards that underpin the profession.

Yes, bad news sell but we are being told to let go bad news, especially as the political temperature builds up to the December 7 General Election. It is clear that as a medium, journalists have the fundamental responsibility of informing the public, but in so doing we are reminded to be guarded and guided by the professional ethics of avoiding sensationalism and be gate keepers. This means that as journalists we have the task of eschewing obscene language, politically unacceptable stories or considered a threat to national security.

Speaking of censorship, it is clear, Articles 162 and 163 of Ghana’s constitution guarantee free speech, but as journalists let us not forget that with this freedom comes the responsibility to guard against excesses in the discharge of our duty. Ghana’s democracy today is receiving accolades globally, because the media have had a part to play. Obviously, a lot more is demanded of journalists to consolidate the gains made and also speak up to seek accountability of duty-bearers in whom citizens have entrusted their hope and aspirations for the nation. With the glamour of new media and the additional responsibility on journalists to stay current, fake news is an area of grave concern to journalism, and in fact a threat to the profession.

President Akufo Addo did not mince words at the Graphic at 70 ceremony when he succinctly pointed out that we must deal with the menace of fake news. Simply, do not publish or broadcast what has not been verified. This rule of thumb in journalism cannot be emphasized enough. The drill is to check, and then cross check the information received, and when in doubt avoid publishing it, but what we see these days speak to the contrary, as some journalists are fixated on the element of speed and wanting to be the first to break the news.

What benefit is it to society, if a story does nothing, but only heightens tension and degenerates an already volatile situation into anarchy? This is what journalists must avoid going into the December 7 polls. This message cannot be emphasized enough and we heard the President of the GJA, Affail Monney reiterate at the 25th Awards ceremony, where he said journalists are helping to shape the campaigns and must be prepared to uphold the truth, highlighting Objectivity is its purest form. Clearly, the media have contributed through educating the public, and this has helped to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lot more is expected going forward.

GJA’s 25th Awards had the theme; COVID-19 and Credible Presidential and Parliamentary Elections; the Media Factor. The game is on for journalists to live above reproach, we must exhibit the highest degree of professionalism. Propaganda must give way to truth, accuracy, actuality and authenticity. Fake news must be identified and confined into the dustbin. Since independence, journalists have used their pen to ignite conversations that have contributed positively to societal change and shaped the consciousness of society. The charge remains for journalists to use their agenda setting role to reflect the kind of society everyone envisages.

By Rebecca Ekpe, A Journalist.