Guardians of Truth – Let’s Tackle Charlatanism in Ghanaian Journalism through Training, Ethics and Media Literacy!

Journalism is a serious profession that demands extensive training, akin to respected fields such as medicine and engineering in Ghana. Unfortunately, the recent surge of individuals masquerading as journalists has cast a shadow over the media landscape, tarnishing the reputation of the journalism profession. This influx can be attributed to the misguided belief that articulateness alone qualifies someone to practice journalism.

Compounding the issue, reputable media brands in Ghana have, at times, unwittingly employed these charlatans. When individuals lacking formal journalistic training engage in reporting, it can lead to adverse consequences affecting the quality, accuracy and ethical standards of journalism. The absence of objectivity and the introduction of bias are common outcomes when untrained individuals contribute to the media space. This may result in skewed perspectives and the dissemination of misinformation.

For instance, a citizen journalist covering a protest without proper training may inadvertently prioritize certain viewpoints, leading to a biased representation of the situation. In 2006, the case of three Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of rape showcased the media’s initial biased coverage, which presumed the guilt of the athletes without objective investigation. The lack of objectivity damaged the lives and reputations of the accused players.

Ethical concerns arise when untrained individuals are hired as journalists, as they may lack a thorough understanding of privacy, accuracy and conflicts of interest. This can result in unintentional privacy violations or the publication of inaccurate information. The case of journalist Stephen Glass, who fabricated numerous articles during the 1990s, underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking and ethical standards within journalism.

Moreover, a lack of verification and fact-checking becomes problematic when untrained journalists practice journalism. This can lead to the spread of rumours or unverified information. In 2003, reporter Jayson Blair’s scandal at The New York Times revealed widespread fabrication and plagiarism in his reporting, demonstrating the consequences of ineffective fact-checking.

Untrained journalists may also have limited understanding of media law, potentially leading to legal challenges and harm to individuals or organizations. The case of Janet Cooke in 1981, who fabricated a story about an eight-year-old heroin addict, resulted in legal troubles for The Washington Post and damaged its credibility.

Inadequate interviewing and reporting skills further contribute to the challenges posed by untrained journalists. The case of Sabrina Rubin Erdely’s article in Rolling Stone in 2014, detailing a gang rape at the University of Virginia, highlighted the importance of thorough fact-checking and verification in serious allegations.

Hiring untrained individuals as journalists undermines the credibility of journalism and contributes to a general erosion of trust in the media. During the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, untrained contributors on social media platforms spread false rumours and misinformation, emphasizing the challenges of citizen journalism.

Journalism is a serious profession that demands extensive training, akin to respected fields such as medicine and engineering in Ghana. Unfortunately, the recent surge of individuals masquerading as journalists has cast a shadow over the media landscape, tarnishing the reputation of the journalism profession. This influx can be attributed to the misguided belief that articulateness alone qualifies someone to practice journalism.

Compounding the issue, reputable media brands in Ghana have, at times, unwittingly employed these charlatans. When individuals lacking formal journalistic training engage in reporting, it can lead to adverse consequences affecting the quality, accuracy, and ethical standards of journalism. The absence of objectivity and the introduction of bias are common outcomes when untrained individuals contribute to the media space. This may result in skewed perspectives and the dissemination of misinformation.

For instance, a citizen journalist covering a protest without proper training may inadvertently prioritize certain viewpoints, leading to a biased representation of the situation. In 2006, the case of three Duke University lacrosse players falsely accused of rape showcased the media's initial biased coverage, which presumed the guilt of the athletes without objective investigation. The lack of objectivity damaged the lives and reputations of the accused players.

Ethical concerns arise when untrained individuals are hired as journalists, as they may lack a thorough understanding of privacy, accuracy, and conflicts of interest. This can result in unintentional privacy violations or the publication of inaccurate information. The case of journalist Stephen Glass, who fabricated numerous articles during the 1990s, underscores the importance of rigorous fact-checking and ethical standards within journalism.

Moreover, a lack of verification and fact-checking becomes problematic when untrained journalists practice journalism. This can lead to the spread of rumors or unverified information. In 2003, reporter Jayson Blair's scandal at The New York Times revealed widespread fabrication and plagiarism in his reporting, demonstrating the consequences of ineffective fact-checking.

Untrained journalists may also have limited understanding of media law, potentially leading to legal challenges and harm to individuals or organizations. The case of Janet Cooke in 1981, who fabricated a story about an eight-year-old heroin addict, resulted in legal troubles for The Washington Post and damaged its credibility.

Inadequate interviewing and reporting skills further contribute to the challenges posed by untrained journalists. The case of Sabrina Rubin Erdely’s article in Rolling Stone in 2014, detailing a gang rape at the University of Virginia, highlighted the importance of thorough fact-checking and verification in serious allegations.

Hiring untrained individuals as journalists undermines the credibility of journalism and contributes to a general erosion of trust in the media. During the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, untrained contributors on social media platforms spread false rumors and misinformation, emphasizing the challenges of citizen journalism.

Addressing the issue of charlatans in the Ghanaian media space requires a multi-faceted approach involving the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC). The GJA and NMC should actively promote professional standards and ethics, collaborating to develop and enforce a comprehensive code of ethics for journalists. Training programmes and workshops should be organized to educate journalists about these standards and the potential consequences of unethical practices.

Accreditation and licensing mechanisms can also be implemented to ensure that only qualified individuals work as journalists. The GJA and NMC should establish a stringent system where journalists must meet specific educational and professional criteria to be accredited. Regular reviews and license revocations for those violating professional standards can help maintain the integrity of journalism.

Media literacy campaigns are essential to educate the public on distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources. The GJA and NMC should launch nationwide campaigns in collaboration with schools, community organizations, and online platforms to promote critical thinking and fact-checking skills.

Establishing a media ombudsman can further contribute to clearing the media space of charlatans. This independent office would investigate complaints against journalists and media organizations, operating transparently to ensure accountability.

Collaboration with technology platforms is crucial to combating misinformation. The GJA and NMC should work closely with social media platforms and online content aggregators to identify and curb the spread of false information. Partnerships with tech companies can lead to the development of tools and algorithms that help identify and mitigate the influence of charlatans in the digital space.

Richmond Acheampong is a communication specialist, consultant, independent journalist and columnist. He holds a PhD in Journalism. He can be contacted through +233240389154, +233550818739 or [email protected]