Let’s Not Allow Financial Pressures to Compromise Editorial Independence — Simon Agianab

The Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC), Simon Agianab, has asked journalists to resist financial pressures and other external influences that threaten editorial independence and professional integrity of their Profession.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Members of the Parliamentary Press Corps here in Accra, Mr Agianab stressed that economic difficulties, inadequate remuneration and competition for audience attention should not become excuses for bribery, sensationalism, misinformation or the compromise of journalistic standards.

He made the point that parliamentary reporting requires more than covering speeches and political disagreements, urging journalists to develop a strong understanding of the 1992 Constitution, parliamentary procedures and legislative processes.

Mr Agianab highlighted Articles 115 and 116 of the Constitution, which provide protections relating to parliamentary speech, proceedings and privileges. He urged journalists to report parliamentary statements accurately, distinguish allegations from established facts and understand the legal limits of parliamentary privilege.

The Dean also encouraged the inky fraternity to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve reporting, while verifying AI-generated information and protecting confidential sources.

On access to information, he said, “journalists should utilise the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), to obtain public records, scrutinise government expenditure and promote accountability.”

“I’m by this opportunity calling all media organisations to provide fair working conditions and protect journalists from improper political and commercial influence, so they will show professionalism in their work.”

He urged the parliamentary correspondents to remain courageous in questioning authority, independent in resisting inducements and committed to accurate, ethical and responsible reporting.

“Let’s all remain courageous in questioning authority, resist improper inducements and uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism,” stressing that editorial independence must never be sacrificed for financial gain, political influence or audience attention, as the public’s right to credible information and Parliament’s accountability to the people depend on a free, ethical and independent media.

He concluded that “the credibility of parliamentary journalism depended on journalists’ ability to verify information, explain parliamentary decisions accurately and serve the public interest.”

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Source:  Sammy Lou/www.frontpageghana.com/Ghana