Professor Kwame Karikari, former Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa, has cautioned Journalists to be truthful, credible and cautious in exposing misdeeds in the society.
He gave the caution at a seminar organised by TV3 Network Limited on the role of the media in delivering fair, peaceful and transparent elections at Accra.
Speaking on code of conduct for Journalists, Prof Karikari highlighted the importance and challenges of the media and admonished journalists to adhere to the codes and ethics of the profession to ensure a conducive environment.
"We are facing a lot of challenges in our media today. The media is one of the important tools for public communication and must be part of development. In recent times some journalists speak negatively about people without evidence. We have to be concerned about our language.
"Some of the media houses are owned by politicians who employ thugs to do their dirty bidding. Journalists should be careful when exposing crimes by politicians,” he noted.
Mrs Beatrice Abbey, Managing News Director of TV3, advised journalists to be fair and avoid being influenced by others.
"I have no doubt that the media will uphold the tenets of the profession by providing fair and accurate reportage to deepen our democracy.
“That notwithstanding, it is important to remind ourselves that we have to jealously safeguard our fundamental freedom by ensuring that as journalists we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by self-seeking individuals who wants to perpetuate anarchy for their own interest,” she said.
She added that Journalists must be committed and live up to the mantra as the 4th Estate of the realm.
Mr Kojo Yankah, Board Chairman of TV3, said journalists must be consistent before and after the Parliamentary and Presidential elections billed for November7.
The Board Chairman urged Media houses to be fair to all political parties and ask critical questions but should be polite with their audience.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Chief of Essikado described the media as a consciousness industry therefore anyone using the media must be conscious and must have a responsibility to perform.
The event is the third training programme this year to enlighten journalists on the role of the media in a fair, peaceful and transparent election.
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