The Director of Public Affairs of the University for Development Studies, UDS, Tamale, Abdul Hayi Moomen has called for the professionalization of the Journalism Profession where trained and qualified journalist will be certified through a legalised professional body that will regulate Journalists across the country.
This, he noted will help the profession to be recognised and treated in a deserving manner which will in the long run reflect in their remuneration of salary.
Mr. Moomen who made the call at a two day training for female Journalists on Peace and Stability in Northern Ghana in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital added that the professionalizing the journalism profession like the Lawyers, Teachers, Doctors and Public Relations Practitioners among others will aid in weeding out quack journalists from the system to ensure the dissemination of credible information.
“We need to professionalize the profession with a regulatory body that determines who a qualified journalist is and who is a quack which will help sanction journalists who abuse their power”, he added.
The media space according to him is expanding due to the emergence of various media outlet across the country but in reality is shrinking. This is because, media owners in recent times are accruing loses as a result of media establishment by pharmaceutical companies and other industries whom otherwise would have advertised their products with them.
In a presentation on ‘Brainstorming Story Ideas’, Mr. Moomen explained framing as the ability of Journalists using their news stories and programmes to influence how people think about a particular situation which shapes their perception and stereotypes.
This power he described as a double edge sword in the hands of journalists and must be used positively.
“It is about time we stop talking about how women are relegated to the background but begin to amplify our voice on the opportunity for women to venture into economic opportunity. These are more positive frame for journalists must tailor their news stories and programmes “, he noted.
The Executive Director of Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency, SWIDA GHANA, Hajia Alima Sagito indicated that Gender Sensitive Reporting shuns stereotypes that limits and trivializes women and men to present an accurate portrait of the world while Conflict Sensitive Reporting focuses on reporting issues in a way that avoids promoting violence.
She therefore stressed the need for media personnel especially female journalists to understand the complexities and nuance of the conflicts, respect different perspectives and be mindful of the impact of their reportage on conflicting issues.
She further encouraged female journalists to challenge the status quo and become the voice for women who are the most vulnerable in society to help in promoting peace rather than amplifying conflict.
