Accra: Madam Rosalind Amoh, an experienced sports journalist, has called on fellow journalists to embrace the digital age while upholding high standards of professionalism and ethical discipline. She made these remarks during the Betway Sports Journalism Conference in Accra, which revolved around the theme 'Repositioning Ghanaian Sports Journalism in the Digital Age'.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Amoh highlighted that digital media has become a significant tool, enabling audiences to access timely information globally. She emphasized the importance of truthfulness, stating, "If your readers find out that you are not telling the truth, you will lose them." She advised journalists to maintain consistency, be sensitive, especially in tragic news, and respect cultural norms during times of grief. Amoh further stressed that credibility, integrity, and ethical discipline are vital for earning the audience's trust and confidence.
Dr. Ernest Koranteng, a Sports Business Consultant, echoed these sentiments, urging journalists to set agendas for themselves. He remarked that while the landscape has shifted towards content creation due to social media, credibility and accuracy remain crucial. Dr. Koranteng advised content creators to remain objective and avoid exaggeration to preserve their integrity, noting, "The reader or listener must understand your work whether there is a price for it or not because position is not property, but honesty and integrity have a price." He emphasized the need for journalists to understand and develop their work while also learning the business aspects.
Addressing the legal implications of digital journalism, Mr. Saddick Adams from Angel Broadcasting Network warned media practitioners about defamation, libel, and slander that could damage reputations and lead to legal challenges. He pointed out that online platforms can facilitate the rapid spread of defamatory content, increasing liability. Mr. Adams stressed the need for guidance on constitutional provisions, statutory protections, copyright, and intellectual property in relation to legal issues.
Mr. Gary Al Smith of Sporty FM highlighted the necessity of verifying content through official sources, press releases, and families in the digital age. He urged content creators and bloggers to prioritize ethical discipline and accuracy over speed when disseminating news.
The conference, supported by MTN, Stanbic Bank, Betway, Property Trek, and Hubtel, was attended by more than 70 sports journalists.