Eagle fm, a community radio station at Walewale in the Mamprugu West
District of the Northern Region has been inaugurated with a call on the mass
media to eschew sensationalism in the course of their work. Sensationalism in
recent times has characterised the noble media profession and has therefore
become the bane generating unhealthy verbal conflict and other related
negativities by the people in the society. This notwithstanding has defeated
the purpose of the profession as the practice goes contrary to the set ethical
standards governing the journalism practice. The Northern Regional Information
Officer, KhassimMedjida, who gave the caution expressed worry over the
unfortunate trend and advised media practitioners to go beyond their expected
role and used their platforms to promote issues that directly affect the
people. Moreover, practices such as defamation of character, contemptuous statements as well as deliberate
and misleading stories tend to drag the name of the profession into disrepute
and should be guided at all times. Mr Medjida cited instances of the Supreme
Court verdict, where some journalists were summoned and prosecuted for making
certain unguided statements that sought to undermine the authority of the
court. He however challenged radio presenters and their host to always be
abreast with issues regarding their work and that of others. Mr Medjida, who
was emphatic about the invaluable role of the media in the nation’s
development, further implored management, staff and host of the new station to
constantly devote more time for development issues especially in the area of
education, health, agriculture and infrastructure among others. The
Chief Executive Officer of Eagle fm, Alhaji Ibrahim Shaibu, said the station
which came into being in 2012 is targeted at promoting the culture of the
people of Mamprugu. The effort of the station, he added, is bent on educating
the people on developmental issues. Alhaji Shaibu, mentioned misunderstanding
between management and board of directors of the station as the major
challenge, and assured to resolve the issue in no time. He commended the
information officer for his advice and pledged to heed to his call of employing
professionals to run the station. The DCE for Mamprugu West, Mr Yusif Adam for
his part commended management and board of the station for their role in the
establishment of the station. He urged management to allow both Christians and
Muslims to use their medium to propagate the gospel of their respective
religions.
GBC
END
AS/IA
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