Which one is a sensible news item worth reporting in the interest of nation building? Mahama being Government Official One or Mahama not guilty of the lies and propagandistic charge of corruption in the Airbus Scandal? In a very polarized body politic like ours, one side of the divide would be interested in highlighting the “straw” aspect of the OSP investigations while the other obviously would celebrate the substance of the story, especially when it has gone well for them, and this is not unusual in a transitional democracy like ours.
But really, as a thinking society, which one should we be interested in, and which one should we expect to be reported by the professional media for the purposes of information and education of the generality of our citizenry? The media reportage this morning on the outcome of the OSP investigation into the Airbus Scandal, is just one example of some media houses deciding to major on minor issues in their headlining and reportage of major national issues. There are many more examples and I believe well-meaning Ghanaians can relate to what I am talking about.
Often times, when you question the sense of objectivity of some media houses in their news reportage and headline captioning, their “pasco” refrain and response is that “you do not control the editorial policies of media houses and news tabloids”. While it may be true that as individuals outside the media fraternity, we cannot control the editorial policies of media houses, I submit without mincing words that, in every right thinking society, media sensationalism and irresponsible editorialism must be confronted and called out. Media freedom is not licentious and coterminous with media tyranny. Media practitioners aren’t tin-gods and tin-goddesses and we must demand accountability from them, just as we do from the politician.
We know some (not all) are easily induced financially to be irresponsible and to them, this is purely business, regardless of how illegitimate and nation wrecking this business may be. But these guys must be made to know that, when we take money to ship-wreck our peace and democracy, we would all suffer as we would have no peace to enjoy whatever money we may have been paid. It must also be mentioned forcefully that, there are also some media houses and practitioners who are committed to the dogmas of nationalism and patriotism, and it is up to us as a people to commend and encourage those who are doing well and to subject those who take money to be irresponsible to strict proofs.
It must be stated bluntly that though some politicians are corrupt, SOME MEDIA PRACTITIONERS are worst, especially when they are offered financial inducement to write headlines, host programmes, and churn out stories as if they never went to school; as if the need to safeguard our democracy and maintain national cohesion and peace, doesn’t matter; and as if they cannot think beyond mere money! “Sika y3 mogya”, but really, what is the value of money without peace?
Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Suro Nipa House
Behind Old Post Office
Larteh-Akuapim
