By Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani (Bono), Sept. 22, GNA – Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has admonished the media against sensationalism.Â
He cautioned practitioners to stem the practice of churning out sensational headlines, as well as unverified claims, saying that journalism must remain grounded in integrity.
Prof Asare-Bediako urged journalists to weigh every word and verify every fact before going to the press.
He also challenged the media to question the reliability of their sources, assess the evidence available and determine whether stories served the public interest.
Prof Asare-Bediako gave the advice when speaking at the fourth edition of the Bono Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony, in Sunyani.
The awards ceremony on the theme: “Ethics, Integrity and Impactful Journalism: Essential ingredients for societal transformation”.
In all, nine deserving media practitioners and journalists were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of the profession.
Prof Asare-Bediako cautioned the media against the temptation of allowing the pressure for speed or popularity to compromise standards, saying that credibility was more valuable than momentary applause.
He said responsible journalism required resisting the publication of unverified claims, even when they appeared attractive or newsworthy.
“It means protecting the dignity of individuals by ensuring fairness and balance,” he said, and urged the media to acknowledge and promptly correct their mistakes, and placing truth above convenience.
Prof Asare-Bediako said societal transformation was not achieved through policies alone, but was nurtured through ideas, dialogue and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths.
He called for stronger collaboration between academia and the media, saying that research provided evidence while journalism helped translate and amplify that evidence for public discourse.
Prof Asare-Bediako noted that a deepened collaboration between the media and academia could contribute to building a more informed, empowered and resilient society.
He reminded the media that their responsibility extended beyond informing the public to shape the moral compass of society.
“When ethics guide journalists work and integrity anchor their voices, journalism can become a force for leadership and a true societal transformation”, the Vice Chancellor added.Â
GNAÂ
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah Â
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto, GNAÂ
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]