Truth Over Speed - Journalism Manual for the Digital Age

At the British Council Auditorium on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng’s book/manual, Truth Over Speed: Journalism Manual for the Digital Age, was launched by the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, King of Akyem Abuakwa, to applause by the crème de la crème of society including royalty and journalists. 

In a commentary and professional evaluation by Prof. Karikari, one of Ghana’s foremost journalism lecturers, he described the manual as a welcome guide to professional practice in today’s complex environment of information overload, over-abundance and speed.

He noted that in this environment, truth, credibility and comprehensive information were at significant risk of compromise.

He added that these critical challenges and myriad problems of professionalism in journalism in Ghana and Africa today were the tasks the manual effectively grappled with.

In the foreword, Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice-President, MTN Group Markets, states that Truth over Speed serves as a comprehensive resource for journalists, media practitioners and aspiring individuals passionate about journalism. 

“This Manual covers various aspects of ethical journalism, including principles, standards and guidelines that practitioners apply in everyday reporting”.

Preface

In the preface, the author makes the point that “This Manual serves as the enduring value of truth in journalism. In a world where sensationalism and clickbait reign supreme, it is essential to reemphasize the importance of factual reporting”. 

He calls for accuracy, fairness, context and thorough research to remain the foundation upon which journalistic practice is built.

He points out on the other hand that while speed has traditionally been a defining characteristic of news reporting, the Manual strives to redefine the role of journalists, which has become more crucial than ever. 

They are, he said, the guardians of truth, the storytellers who help to shape our understanding of the world, adding that the speed at which news travels in our interconnected world often leaves little room for thorough fact-checking or careful analysis.

Experience

Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng’s experience in the trenches of journalism has enabled him to garner a wealth of knowledge and confidence in the field of journalism that he graciously shared during the several informal training sessions organised by the communications units departments of corporate Ghana.

When you cut your professional teeth under a legendary journalistic great, such as, Edward Ameyibor of blessed memory, as the author did, there is no way you would not acquire the necessary skills to excel as an out-and-out journalist and I know that all who will read this Manual, whether a journalist or a layman, would have something to take away from this book.

Book

This book is meant for Ghanaian and African journalists because the author believes that “Today, Africa’s vibrant tapestry of nations with their complex political environments, socio-economic challenges and opportunities, languages, beliefs and perspectives, make it all the more critical for journalists to navigate an intricate web of cultural sensitivities, political landscapes and social complexities”.

In all, there are 36 sessions and each has a heading from Truth over Speed in the Digital Age in Session One to Finally…A Journey of Truth, Learning and Serving Community in Session 36. Due to space constraints, I will touch on just a couple of sessions. 

In each session, the author gives a short introduction, the occasion and where it was held, as well as who was involved. Then various topics are discussed such as; Spreading misinformation, Damage to reputation, Legal Implications, Ethical considerations and so on. It is an elaborate thing and it would be best to pick a copy and digest the wonderful information therein yourself.

Session Two is titled, The Media Landscape in Africa — An Overview and the author begins by talking about the use of telex to the current digital regime. He continues with a bit of history and then talks about the Regulatory framework, Print media, Future projections, Broadcast media etc.

“As we come to the conclusion of this Manual, it is important to reflect on the essence of what we have learned throughout this journey. Truth over Speed has…..”. That is from the first paragraph of the last session. 

Get a copy of this fantastic book, presented in a fluid, lucid language not requiring you to reach for your dictionary, to search for this or that word. It is a must-have, whether you are a journalist or not. Cheers!

The book can be obtained in all leading bookshops across the country.

Reviewer’s E-mail: niiaddokwei@yahoo.com