Media has the Right to Blacklist Public Officials Who Disobey Press Freedom Rule - Journalism Professor Kwame Karikari

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In a discussion on media professionalism and freedom, Journalism Professor Kwame Karikari emphasized the media's prerogative to exercise discretion by implementing a blackout on newsmakers or public officials whose actions are deemed disrespectful to the journalistic profession.

Citing the protection of media independence enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, Professor Karikari denounced any actions by public figures, particularly politicians, that amount to assault against media practitioners, considering such behavior a violation of constitutional provisions.

Related To This: GJA Blasts NMC for Saying Media Blackout Against Offenders is Dysfunctional

Professor Karikari argued that when a public official, notably a minister, displays behavior contrary to journalistic principles and fails to acknowledge or rectify such conduct, the media has the right to enforce a blackout as a means to safeguard its integrity and uphold ethical standards.

During an appearance on JoyNews' PM Express, Professor Karikari highlighted the need for the media to wield the power to protect its credibility, emphasizing that instances of disrespect from public officials should not go unchecked. He underlined that while politicians can choose to boycott certain media outlets or teams, the media equally holds the authority to reciprocate such actions for the sake of maintaining professionalism.

Related To This: Blacklisting of Media Attackers Inappropriate - NMC to GJA

Recent events, such as the media blackout imposed by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson and Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama after reported assaults on journalists, have ignited debates on the efficacy and appropriateness of such measures.

Professor Karikari clarified that while blackout policies on essential institutions like Parliament and the Presidency could be detrimental, individual politicians who exhibit disrespect towards the media should face repercussions such as being blacked out. He argued that assaulting a journalist sends a clear message of hostility towards the media, justifying the media's right to refuse coverage to those who undermine its role.

Related To This: Demand Criminal and Judicial Action for Assaults on Journalists - Oppong Nkrumah to GJA

In a related development, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah called on the GJA to ensure thorough investigations precede the implementation of blackout policies. While acknowledging the importance of the directive, he cautioned against its potential misuse if not carefully monitored.

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