Radio Univers @30 As NMC chair calls for upholding professional ethics

MEMBERS of the society of Journalists believe that public is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of justice and the foundation of democracy,Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, Chairman of the National Media Commission(NMC)has said. 

He maintained, "The preamble of the Code of Ethics of GJA states that it has been drawn up as a ready reference guide applicable to all members and to ensure that, "Journalists adhere to the highest ethical standards.

It provides among others that " in collecting and disseminating information, the Journalists should bear in mind their responsibility to the public at large, various interest groups and further admonishes journalists not to originate material which encourages discrimination on the ground of ethnicity, colour,creed,gender or sexual orientation."

He disclosed that the GJA Code respects sexual orientation,but some journalists dishonour those who speak against the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill by calling them names alleging that such personalities are either gays and lesbians.

He intimated that Journalists have the duty of seeking truth and providing fair and comprehensive account of event and issues. 

Mr. Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo made the remarks as part of his address at the Radio Universe @30 anniversary in Accra.

He said the recent uproar over the marriage between the Chief Priest of Nungua and a so-called 12-year girl, confirmed to be 15 by Child Rights International, is part the misunderstanding of cultural norms.

He however quoted Mahatma Gandhi who argued that no matter how useless or senseless one group of people perceive or consider the norms of other groups, there is the need to always appreciate that there meaning and value for those who practice such customs.

Given the fact that society expects Journalists to be honest, fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information, he pointed out Journalists are encouraged to treat their sources with respect. 

"We are divided along ethnicity, religious, and above all things along political partisan lines. With the temporary tie of 137 to 137 MPs between the NPP and NDC, we are enmeshed in sycophancy", he indicated. 

He further recounted that when the role of the media, especially Radio, is examined, Rwanda comes up due to the abuse of media freedom by some misguided political elements who, through bastardisation of ethnic differences, caused the genocide, an occurrence he discouraged the media not to promote.

Radio Universe, as a campus station, operating within an academic setting, greatly benefited from the pool of diverse talents and expertise, which he noted have been exploited effectively and efficiently. 

He said Radio Universe at a point served as a reference for quality, productive, functional, informed, responsible, and courageous programmes. 

Radio Universe, he added presented a unique platform for distinguished academics such as Professors Yankah, Gyimah-Boadi, Ansu Kyeremeh, Dr. Bonnah Koomson, and Nana Ohene Ntow offer their services which seemed to have calmed nerves. 

He further recalled the station's flagship programme, the Newspaper Review, which became the standard and set the tone for what has now become diffused, expanded review of newspapers on the airwaves. 

"My expectation is that Radio Universes would continue to pursue programmes of universal appeal in general taste and interest and compete in quality informative and educative programmes rather compete for numbers. There must be local content, especially with entertainment, to challenge our misguided lust for all things foreign even when they debase our values and cultures", he expressed optimism.