Urges Liberian Journalists To Uphold Core Principles Of Traditional, Good Journalism
By Darius Karngar
Monrovia- A former Liberia Correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), Winston Monboe has called on Liberian Journalists to recommit themselves to the core principles of Journalistic ethics, emphasizing integrity, independence and accuracy in news reporting, amid the rise of the Social Media/New Media.
“Social Media should not be allowed to control the traditional media,” Mr. Monbo told introduction to Journalism students at the Joe Mulbah Center for Journalism and Public Relations (JMC) at the University of Liberia (UL) Capitol Hill campus recently.
Named after the late UL Communications Department Chairman, Professor Joe Wolobah Mulbah, the JMC was established recently by the UL Department of Communication and Media Studies to offer year-long advanced diploma and certificate programs in PR and Journalism to media professionals.
Mr. Monboe, who left active Journalism practice after working as senior produce at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) and Radio Veritas, is currently a staff of the United Nations in East Africa and he is currently visiting home.
Serving as guest lecturer at the JMC at the introduction to Journalism class, the former VOA Liberia correspondent stressed that ethical discipline is the foundation of credible Journalism, despite the widespread nature of Social Media through the advancement of digital technology.
“Social media is not the standard for Journalism,” Mr. Monboe told the young Journalism professionals, adding that the principles of good Journalism remain the same as traditional media ethics remain at the heart of the practice.
While sharing his rich experience in covering stories for both local and international news outlets for many years in the past, he was quick to point out that Journalists today use social media to process their works and expand their coverage.
The former LBS and Radio Veritas news producer underscored that one of the fundamental values of the profession is the willingness to listen carefully, verify facts thoroughly, and ensure balance before publishing any report.
According to him, accuracy and fairness are not optional standards but essential obligations that safeguard public trust and strengthen democratic accountability.
Mr. Monboe also cautioned Journalists against cultivating close personal relationships with public officials and prominent figures they are assigned to cover, saying that such associations can compromise objectivity and erode credibility.
He noted that a Journalist’s primary duty is to the truth and to the public, adding that maintaining professional distance is critical to preserving independence and integrity.
His statement comes in the wake of growing calls for higher ethical standards in Liberia’s media landscape, as media practitioners seek to reinforce public confidence in the press through responsible, balanced, and fact-based reporting, despite the ubiquitous nature of the social media/new media.