Veteran journalist, Mary Winemasum Abanga has advised her younger colleagues to shun armchair journalism and commit to the standards of the profession.
Speaking in an interview on Breakfast News on Dreamz FM, Madam Abanga noted that journalism is a social service that requires sacrifice and dedication to highlight societal needs for redress.
She, however, observed that the current crop of journalists are much concerned about amassing wealth and thus, do not take interest in stories that do not benefit them monetarily.
“Journalism is self sacrificial. Don’t let’s chase soli, don’t let’s go and stand in Pwalugu and say we are in Bawku and reporting. Go to Bawku and report. Go there and do the thing the right way,” she advised.
She stated that unlike their era when they used to go to the field to report on issues affecting the masses, most of the present day journalists only sit in their offices waiting to be invited to cover events that will fetch them money.
“We are pioneers and we suffered a lot and now, our youngsters, they don’t want to die for the job, they don’t want to travel. You fish for news, you don’t wait till they call you, invite and you give you ‘soli’,” she said.
This, in her opinion, is contrary to the principles of the profession and inimical to the development of the country.
She said journalism should not be about personal gain but the collective good of the public hence, journalists must sacrifice and be ready to risk their lives for the betterment of society.
“Sometimes, we would go, they don’t give us anything and you have to come back quickly, and sit down to dab your materials, edit them and see that you present them the way it should be down ethically without any malice, without any political, tribal or bias”.
Madam Abanga, who worked with GBC URA and was recognized for her contributions in the media space at the recently held regional GJA Awards, also decried the failure of media outlets to provide in-service training to improve the skills of their staff.
Such trainings, she noted, keep journalists abreast of modern practices, enabling them to effectively deliver on their jobs.
While urging journalists to continuously build upon their capacities, madam Abanga entreated them to be professional in executing their work.
