TV3 sharpens skills of journalists on code of conduct
A former executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Professor Kwame Karikari, has expressed his disapproval of how politicians who own radio stations employ and offer their facilities to people who know little or nothing about communications, and has therefore demanded that the media should do more to protect the rights and dignity of the citizenry.
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Professor Karikari made the statement at a lecture organised by TV3 Network Limited.
The lecture, which is the third in the series, was on the topic: “Code of conduct for journalists.”
Prof. Karikari expressed concern regarding the ownership structure of the media in the country and said various media platforms were established either for journalism or propaganda purposes.
The Board Chairman of TV3 Network Limited, Mr Kojo Yankah, charged journalists to be responsible in their reportage in relation to the upcoming polls.
He spoke on the topic: 'Media and Elections' and urged the media to be truthful in their reportage.
“You are going to work just as you do normally as a team. When I say a team, I mean editors, producers, broadcast journalists, presenters and technicians who work for a media organisation. Therefore, be sure to take responsibility as a team for whatever news that you churn out.”
“It is important too to note that even though you work as a team, individuals must be held liable for their mistakes,” Mr Yankah said.
He urged media persons to endeavour to uphold the truth, objectivity, fairness and transparency in their work.
Mr Yankah said journalists must expect the public to be anxious and suspicious about the work of the media, since every move the media made would be scrutinised and put under the spotlight to detect any deviations.
“Knowing the cardinal duties of media men is not enough; you must also consider yourselves as managers of the minds of the people.”
'Safeguard fundamental freedom'
The Managing News Editor of TV3, Ms Beatrice Agyemang Abbey, pledged the TV station’s commitment to ensure balance in its reportage.
“It is important that we guard our fundamental freedoms jealously and ensure that as journalists we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by self-seeking individuals who would want to create disorder and anarchy for their own good,” she said.
She encouraged other media houses to regularly hold training programmes for their staff as a means to sharpen their skills and ensure professionalism in their work.