Press Freedom And Protecting The Reputation Of Journalism

NEWS COMMENTARY ON PRESS FREEDOM, ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS, AND PROTECTING THE REPUTATION OF THE MEDIA PROFESSION IN GHANA

The Media reflects society and depict what its members want to hear, listen to, read or view. Its role as the voice of the people cannot, therefore, be downplayed, since information dissemination plays a significant role in society’s progress. Qualitative and independent media impact positively because the role they play is a critical development tool in governance, economic and social realms as well as fighting corruption. In providing accurate and timely information for the allocation of resources efficiently; the media platforms help citizens’ participation in decisions making to shape their lives. There is no doubt that freedom of expression and the right to information have been really boosted with the increasing participation of the media of all kinds.

Indeed, the increasing role of the media in helping to sustain participatory democracy in the post-Independence era, particularly of developing economies, has been enhanced by having unfettered access to information. In fact, free media uphold the democratic principle of publicity. Media freedom implies media responsibility and accountability. For free media to fulfill these vital functions through their traditional, the public needs assurances that the media are seeking the truth and acting to guard its interest. Media freedom and independence have thus often been central to the organization, make-up, working practices and outputs of media systems across the globe. There is however the danger of subduing the freedom and independence of the media, through excessive government control and regulation, as well as by market forces and practices. In developing countries, for example, most media outlets are controlled by governments, powerful business tycoons and politicians whose influences on the media landscape pose great danger to public peace and security.

They use the media as weapons of manipulation and suppression of citizens’ rights to unfettered information. Free, independent and pluralistic media, based on the tenets of Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution, are core elements of any functioning democracy. Issues of torture, discrimination, corruption and misuse of power are exposed by the work of investigative journalists. Worrying signals, however, of repression and violations of media freedom can be seen in cases of journalists being deprived of their liberty because of their work. It sometimes results in harassment, intimidation, violence and even murder. It is pertinent to state that, most of the unethical issues that journalists encounter in the course of their duties are variants of what confront them in their everyday working lives.

However, these concerns and dilemmas may present themselves in particular ways of audience encounter; such as concerns over professionalism in employing journalists; uncontrolled social media, the ever-growing influence of online media portals; low remuneration; poor working conditions, sponsorship biases; infiltration of the profession by charlatans, political skewedness, and limited patronage. In promoting and maintaining the reputation of the media profession particularly in Ghana, there is an urgent need for media practitioners to adopt and adapt guiding principles for effective media practice in 2021 and beyond. For example, the media should realize that they are operating in a developing country environment where provision of unfettered information for the maximum utilization of our resources will help the citizens from the shackles of poverty. It is equally important to access how far the media have been truthful in their reportage, especially on issues contrary to their perceived stance. How far do practitioners abide by the code of conduct?

Media practitioners must to be circumspect in whatever is published for public consumption. In fact, how do media practitioners overcome open political biases and patronage that undermine their gatekeeping role? In Ghana, it is not uncommon to easily identify the editorial stand of a radio or television station, which invokes the echo-chamber phenomenon through their programmes all day long. One crucial area to consider and protect is the need for journalists to fight to protect their collective interests. Hodges in 2009 argues that it is journalists who must begin to take themselves seriously as members of a unique and noble profession if journalism is to gain the respect to function effectively in society.

The increasing pluralism and polarization of the media landscape are fast eroding to free and independent media practice; particularly, where constant attacks of journalists who hold discerning views but abide by code of ethics needlessly operate at the peril of their lives. There is however no alternative to free and independent media practice for society to survive and grow. It is a task that must be done.

BY NANA OSEI PIESIE-ANTO, A SOCIO-POLITICAL ANALYST