Media freedom enhances civil liberties

Last Sunday was World Press Freedom Day, but in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the day went largely unnoticed, with no officious ceremonies.

But with the press at the forefront of holding governments and leaders accountable, as well as providing accurate information for informed decisions to be made, we believe that World Press Freedom Day cannot go uncommemorated.

This is because media freedom enhances civil liberties, for which reason we must collectively defend and protect press freedom.

As the world looks up to the media for unbiased information, public education and informed public debates, we believe that the crucial role of journalism has even become more relevant.

For instance, the Daily Graphic believes that a free press and an independent media can make a lot of difference in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in view of the fact that a major challenge confronting that fight is the spread of misinformation — from unenlightened sources to conspiracy theories.

That is why all stakeholders, particularly governments, must work not just to protect media workers but also resource and strengthen media institutions.

In Ghana, a number of media organisations, including state-owned ones, are going through some challenges, a situation which has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why you find some electronic media organisations accepting advertorials which, under normal circumstances, are not supposed to find air space.

We must bear in mind that World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed in 1993 by the United Nations following the efforts of African journalists who, in 1991, came up with the landmark Windhoek Declaration, calling for media pluralism and independence.

Regrettably, the working conditions of many journalists and media practitioners are nothing to write home about, and in such a situation you find some journalists becoming susceptible to compromise, bribery and self-censorship.

Some journalists also leave the profession to seek ‘greener’ pastures in fields where they will earn better incomes and incentives. When this happens, you find all sorts of persons infiltrating the noble profession or being engaged by some institutions because such persons will accept anything given by the employer.

Poor working conditions also affect the quality of radio and television broadcast due to the quality of the programming and the calibre of persons engaged in such positions.

Meanwhile, in the midst of all these challenges, we must be grateful to the media. As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres puts it: “We thank the media for providing facts and analysis; for holding leaders – in every sector – accountable, and for speaking truth to power.”

We must be mindful, as a nation, that whatever the press does is in fulfilment of its civic responsibility, hence the need to defend and protect press freedom.

The Daily Graphic acknowledges the role of the National Media Commission and other media watchers for ensuring that media abuse or excesses are addressed.