General News of Friday, 14 September 2012

Source: radioxyzonline

'Senior' journalists slammed for doing PR for gov't

The Centre for National Affairs has slammed the media for gradually shirking its responsibility of holding government accountable for its stewardship.

According to the CNA, “the new phenomenon where critical questions about the suitability, honesty and Integrity of presidential candidates are ignored is indeed unacceptable.”

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Senior Policy Analyst of the CNA, Rocky Obeng said: “Our media research team is amazed at the findings where some of these respected journalists have metamorphosed into public relations officers for the presidency, if not the ruling party.”

He said even though the journalists have a right to belong to which ever political party they want to, they "have most certainly compromised the sacred responsibility and the ethics of their profession.”

Rocky Obeng said their investigations show that the allegation of money being dolled out to journalists have become common in recent times “and is widely confirmed by junior practitioners who complain about editorial improprieties.”

Mr Rocky Obeng further indicated that there is a need for Ghanaians to know the assets of any individual who is seeking to hold public office just like Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom has promised to do.

He is therefore calling on Mr. Hassan Ayariga, Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Abu Sakara and more importantly President Mahama to state their view on this bold anti-corruption statement from Dr. Nduom.