The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has launched a new code of ethics for the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers (PRINPAG).
This new code of ethics expands on media ethics and professional standards that have become necessary following the growth in internet and digital technologies which have impacted media and journalism practice.
The new code of ethics was launched at a public forum organised by the Civil Society Organisation at the GNAT hall in Accra on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Addressing the forum, the President of PRINPAG, Mr. Edwin Arthur lamented the decline in journalistic standards saying “The lines between news, opinion and entertainment have been blurred.”
Mr. Edwin Arthur (President of PRINPAG)
He urged media practitioners to be professional in their duties indicating that “no forum or code will be effective unless we as individuals commit to ethical journalism.”
“We must be vigilant and ensure every single article published is fact-checked and verified. As journalists, our role goes beyond traditional media. We must approach this with responsibility and be ethical in our use of social media.”
On behalf of PRINPAG, he called on the government to continue to create an enabling environment that supports press freedom, safeguards the safety of journalists and promotes media literacy among the populace.
To him, Journalism isn’t practised in a vacuum; but rooted in society, making the concept of neutrality quite complex.
“For journalists, your ethics are your shield and guard. How you approach a story will save you.”, Senior Programme Officer at the MFWA, Kwaku Krobea Asante stated.
Mr. Kwaku Krobea Asante speaking at the launch
The new code of ethics focuses on thematic areas that are critical to maintaining journalistic integrity and would serve as a guiding light for PRINPAG members to navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape.
The event brought together key media stakeholders such as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), DW Akademie and journalists.
Find a statement from the
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
