PHOTO: The Author
An OP-ED By Ledgerhood Rennie, former Liberian Min. of Information
I watched with keen interest the social media video montage by venerable Cllr. Tiawon Gongle bemoaning what he called “mercenary journalism” being practiced by “some” Liberian Journalists.
First, I like to thank him for his open engagement and attempt at exposing such a very unethical and unprofessional practice within the journalism ranks.
As he rightly said, he has earned that towering posture to dare criticise journalists who are often very cocooned when it comes to outside criticisms of their noble role and works. I bear witness to Cllr Gongloe’s litany of defense of not just journalists, but freedom of expression and its role in upholding democratic pluralism in Liberia. He suffered personally for his advocacy for human rights and social justice- my utmost salute Cllr!
That said, it’s been more that 48 hrs since the learned Counsellor, a very good friend and free media promoter, came public with his concern. I was of the opinion that either the Press Union-of Liberia or affiliates of the PuL would have had a public say about the issue raised.
However, and I stand to be corrected, if the contrary is true, that as of the writing of this post, neither the PUL nor its affiliates have said anything publicly about what I believe is a very grave matter raised.
Additionally, on my cusory attempt at testing the viewpoints of some well-known journos,
I found majority to be in agreement with what Cllr Gongloe has raised alarm about. And while admitting behind the scenes to this very unethical and unprofessional practice by “some” media colleagues, there is also a tacit coy not to come public and condemn such practice, and pledge to name and shame or sanction those who are in involved in this despicable malpractice.
If we hold the public trust as society’s gatekeepers, then we must come clean when we too fall afoul of such trust. It is only but the responsible and honorable think to do. No need for hush hush or tacit silence of admittance.
Finally, while I again thank Cllr Gongloe for ‘belling the cat’, I want to implore the PuL to look seriously into this matter. There are too many complaints about media malpractices in the public realm that go unaddressed. The PuL must not wait for formal complaints- we know what the problems are and should vigorously try to address or mitigate them through proactive actions of peer review.
Lest we remind ourselves that with rights and freedom, come responsibilities of equal measure. Therefore, it behooves the PUL to play a robust proactive role as the referee in ensuring adherence to high ethical standards of journalism.
My take!