Media practitioners challenged to be guided by professional ethical values

13-09-2012        

Reg. GJA Chair, Eric Amoh

The Regional GJA Chairman for the Upper East Region, Eric Amoh has challenged practitioners in the region to go beyond their ethical values and work towards ensuring free fair and adequate coverage to all divergent views and dissenting opinions, especially in the run up to the upcoming general elections. Per the constitution, media practitioners particularly those in the state owned media owe it a civic responsibility to afford  fair opportunities and facilities for political parties to present their activities and programs to the public. This, Mr Amoh, said requires high sense of balanced reportage and strong professional ethical values devoid of biased information. Mr Amo who was addressing media practitioners in Bolgatanga said the media as the fourth estate of the realm ought to refrain from engaging in acts that has the potential of given preferential treatment to any political party or candidate, but rather ensure fairness and equity in the discharge of their duties. Accordingly, practitioners should create a level playing field for all political parties and candidate to articulate their mission and vision for the public to judge. As a measure in providing responsible media coverage, Mr Amo further entreated the media not to endorse, solicit or accept gift and favours from political icons since such acts gives political leaders the chance to manipulate them for their own selfish means. Free responsible and Pluralistic media, he said was critical for the sustenance of democracy. Mr. Amoh seized the opportunity to encouraged practitioners in the region to register to become members of the GJA since adherence would offer them the opportunity to file nomination for national GJA awards. According to him, even though one is required to have a minimum of five years working experience to become a member, interested practitioners should endeavour to provide working details and letter of confirmation from their managers for further action to be taken to enable them become members. He commended the media in the region for the level of professionalism exhibited over the years and appeal to them to concentrate much feature story writing rather than depending on program assignments. This, he noted would help improve their writing skills. During an open interaction, practitioners expressed deep concern about the way some media personnel cheapen themselves to be used by programme organizers all in the name of press conferences. Most of the press conferences they unanimously agreed should be avoided since they sometimes create tension and uneasiness among certain groups and individuals.

GBC                                               END                                        ISAAC ASARE