Internship Wahala: Learning or Earning?

As a young aspiring intern, I have personally encountered challenges that throw light on the unethical practices that some media houses engage in.

During the last semester vacation, when I sent internship letters to some media houses, I was met with frustrating responses. Some would promise to call me back but never did, leaving me hanging in anticipation. Others crossed ethical boundaries by demanding payment, turning internships into commercial transactions rather than learning experiences. The most shocking encounter was with a media house CEO who audaciously asked me to buy a plastic chair before I could intern there. I couldn't help but wonder, had he forgotten the very essence of an internship? Was I expected to be an apprentice rather than a learner? Or is the organization 'hair dressers' media house?

Sadly, I realized that these experiences were not unique to me. A female friend shared her own bitter story, narrating how a producer from a renowned media house had demanded sexual favors in exchange for an internship opportunity. Similarly, a male friend who was also interning at a media house in Accra, recounted how he was constantly running errands for senior journalists and producers, such as buying 'Gobɛ and Awaakye', and picking up their children from school. This prevented him from acquiring the essential skills he needed as a student journalist. I was left stunned and deeply saddened by these experiences. It raises the questions: what kind of country are we living in? Where has the professionalism and integrity of the media industry gone?

Internships should be platforms for aspiring professionals to learn, grow, and contribute to their chosen field. They should provide equal opportunities, not favoritism based on financial means or personal favors. By taking advantages of hopeful interns, some media houses are perpetuating inequality and compromising the true purpose of internships.

It is time for a change. Media houses must reassess their approach to internships and uphold the principles upon which they are built. An ethical internship culture should prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and professionalism.

As aspiring professionals, we deserve the opportunity to learn and contribute without darkening our integrity. It is up to media houses to create a transformative and ethical internship culture, allowing young talents to establish themselves in the industry.

The future of journalism relies on the next generation of professionals who are skilled and have genuine love for the media job.