President of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, has asked student sports journalists of Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), to remain committed to the ethics of the profession as they carry out their duties as sports journalists.
Speaking at the seminar organized by SWAG-GIJ Chapter to sensitize, educate and share experiences with the students, under the theme, “Keeping professional standards in sports journalism.
What the young journalist should know,” Mr. Yeboah said, “Your stories should be based on facts and then commit yourself to the ethical values of this noble profession.”
He added, “ethics in journalism is a bit relaxed as compared to other profession and urged them to be more professional and desist from all biases.
“In our sports commentaries, you must understand any kind of bias constitutes an unpardonable violation of the principles of journalistic ethics,” said the President.
Mr. Yeboah, who is affectionately also called ‘The Writer’, counseled the young journalist not to make money the cornerstone of the profession.
He was of the view that through a decent job, the money and other benefits will subsequently follow.
“Journalism is not about money making, but it’s about integrity and selfless commitments to the course.
“It is a profession that opens doors and makes you more relevant,” he said.
According to him, solidarity money, popularly called ‘soli’ has been one major challenge for many journalists.
This, he said journalists should cease from the temptation of taking money from authorities since it would compromised their reportage.
“The cornerstone of our administration is to improve the standards of sports journalism in this country,” he added.
Mr. Larry Botwe, another executive member of SWAG also encouraged the young journalists to protect their integrity through research and be abreast with rules and regulations governing the games particularly the least known ones.
In attendance were Mr. Maurice Quansah the vice president of SWAG, Mr. William Ezah, General Secretary of SWAG, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, President of Ghana Beach Soccer Association, Mr. Mathias Tibu, SWAG executive member and also SWAG-GIJ chapter patron, Mr. Thomas Boakye Agyeman and Mr. William Graham.
SWAG President Inspires Young Sports Journalists At GIJ
No comments:
Post a Comment