Editorial
Chasing profit at the expense of journalistic ethics
In today’s fast-paced media land¬scape, the importance of journal¬istic ethics in ensuring responsible reporting and truth preservation cannot be overstated.
However, a worrying trend has emerged where the pursuit of profit takes precedence over maintaining journalistic integrity. Some media outlets, seeking to attract more viewers and readers, have resorted to sensationalising news and presenting misleading content. This shift has raised questions about the impact on truth and democracy.
Misinformation and clickbait journalism can erode public trust and social cohesion, posing threats to an informed society. To counter these challenges, a return to ethical jour¬nalism, emphasising unbiased report¬ing and media literacy, is crucial to preserving the credibility and essen¬tial role of the media in our society.
Journalism has long been consid¬ered the Fourth Estate, a guardian of democracy that plays a pivotal role in disseminating accurate informa¬tion, fostering public discourse, and holding those in power accountable. However, with the emergence of digital media and the race for prof¬itability, the landscape of journalism has undergone a transformation. The traditional model of news consump¬tion has given way to online platforms where clicks and views often dictate success. As a result, media outlets find themselves navigating the fine line between attracting audiences and upholding ethical standards.
One of the most alarming conse¬quences of profit-driven journalism is the rise of clickbait content. In a bid to capture the attention of online users, headlines are crafted to be sensational and provocative, some¬times at the expense of accuracy and context.
This has given rise to a culture of misinformation, where readers are enticed by eye-catching headlines that may not align with the actual content of the article. Consequently, the dissemination of false or mislead¬ing information becomes rampant, undermining the public’s trust in journalism.
The consequences of profit-driven journalism extend beyond the realm of media. In an era of disinformation and misinformation, a society heavily relies on credible journalism to re¬main well-informed and make educat¬ed decisions.
When journalism is driven by profit rather than journalistic ethics, the integrity of reporting is compromised, leading to a less informed and poten¬tially divided society.
To confront this challenge, a con¬certed effort is required from media organisations, journalists, and the public. Media outlets must prioritise quality journalism that emphasises thorough research, fact-checking, and impartial reporting. By building a loyal audience based on trust and credibility, media organisations can navigate the digital landscape without sacrificing ethical standards.
Embracing ethical practices, fostering media literacy, and priori¬tising accurate reporting are essential steps towards restoring public trust and ensuring that journalism remains a reliable guardian of democracy in the digital age. By returning to the core values of responsible journalism, media organisations can reclaim their role as purveyors of truth and serve as a unifying force in an increasingly polaried world.
Twum Petra Nana Boakyewaa, Ghana Institute of Journalism
Editorial
Merits and demerits of scraping betting tax
Dear Editor,
Over the past years, a lot of concerns have been raised about the rise of sports betting companies in the country, their operations, and how it impacted negatively on the youth of the country.
I have also witnessed how some of the youth go to the extent of borrowing money from friends or use companies’ money to stake bets, which they were not guaranteed of winning.
Due to this, I was happy when the previous government introduced the betting tax, as I felt it would deter the youth from engaging in it.
However, some Ghanaians hold the view that the betting tax would help create employment.
It wasn’t surprising to see the excitement that greeted the announcement of the scrapping of the tax by the Finance Minister.
My worry now is how, as a country, the youth can be discouraged from engaging in betting.
I believe that as the betting tax has been scrapped, it is about time that the government finds ways of addressing the issue of betting among the youth as it is becoming more serious than before.
I believe that there should be a multi-stakeholder engagement between the various stakeholders to proffer solutions to address them.
Editorial
Rail crossing point at circle- Kaneshie road needs attention
Dear Editor,
I read with happiness a letter published in the previous edition about the poor state of the rail crossing stretch of the Circle-Kaneshie road.
I totally agree with the concerns raised by the writer and I wish to add my voice to the call on the authorities to quickly work on that stretch of the road.
What the writer left out was the occasional happenings when vehicles break down on the rail line. I have witnessed that before.
It is not a comfortable thing driving on it at all. It is a huge dent on the beauty the interchange was expected to bring to the area.
The traffic it creates is a major inconvenience to people who are rushing to work.
I wish to appeal to the authorities to quickly do something about that portion of the road to make it convenient for drivers. Thank you for the space.
Maxwell Amamoo,
Odorkor
