Journalist of the Year: Joke?

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Initially I thought it was a joke, and then it became obvious that this crown jewel to recognize the best of hard working journalists in Ghana was to be awarded to arguably the best radio presenter in my generation. In the end I think it is still a big joke.

This Journalist of the Year Award debate goes right to the foundation of the GJA, why it exists, what its objectives are, its achievements and whether it has really tried to improve the lot of journalists in this country.

The fact remains; you do not have to attend journalism school to become a journalist. The fundamentals are to speak and especially write good English or the official language of the day as well as editing skills. But a practicing journalist is one who collects or gathers information, edits it and presents it to the public through the mass media, adhering to the principles of journalism. These principles include, facts, fairness, separating information and comments, respects for human dignity, protection of sources, independence in executing duties etc. Other factors like timeliness and length of punch and crispness of the story come in depending on the media being used.

In this connection, the fine radio presenter, even though a “fully paid up” member of GJA unlike some alleged members is not a real journalist practicing journalism but is engaged in some aspects of journalism for which this award should not be meant. Meaning his work is not to go out everyday, gather information, edit it and present it through the mass media. The Supermorning Show which was the gateway for this style of “journalism” exhibited by our fine Youngman is what is called, Infortainment as in information and entertainment a term popularized by Turner Networks. It is more glamour, humor, music some serious information and some serious interviews with some serious personalities here and there. But serious journalism has never been the mark or at the forefront of this program. If some seriousness were displayed as to qualify a radio program in that light, then that total package is the Front Page, which has always led the others in serious radio interviews but still does not qualify for the what real journalism is all about.

Yes, it can take one big story like the SSNIT scandal to win an award but again the story must be presented journalistically and supported by other minor or insignificant works. And this where one questions the standards set by GJA and the background of the personalities on the award committees and why they chose to stab journalists in the back. The manner in which the SSNIT story was presented was pure Infortainment, highly opinioned and full of innuendos. And that was journalism ala GJA? Komla has done his work to the best of his abilities and the fine Youngman should be proud as a media man yes but definitely not as a serious journalist. Maybe after his scholarship stint, he will fully appreciate what real journalism is about and I bet he will do a better story next time for sure.

As for GJA, congratulations on a good job done; and may you continue to recognize the work of “journalists” who go out everyday 7 days a week walking the streets looking for stories and who are highly regarded by their employers, and well remunerated. And after their slothful work is done they look up to the GJA to see their work and reward the best of them at an awards show just to ginger the others to do well. Your efforts on their behalf have really paid off and they feel rewarded and progressive in the country.

To the journalists who expressed reservations, well done, you do have appoint and wish you had shown your faces but resistance to personalizing this argument should be an important key in stating out views on the Journalist of the Year Award given to this fine radio presenter. Yet it cannot be helped in mentioning names. All sarcasm aside, in presenting this award to Komla Dumor, the GJA has spited journalists and it is an insult and a disgrace period.

In the long run this is till a big joke and will not regret one bit for not being a “fully paid member” and the way things are going, will never be and so will some very good journalists I know. Maybe it is time to explore other options to GJA.