Media Excesses
: A Case for Ethics
01 Feb 2006- Communication
Minister sounds alarm bells against unethical practice following
publications on homosexuality.
Journalism standard in the country
has once more been brought to the forefront following a series of
publications in some local news papers on homosexuality in the country.
Some three newspapers have been indexed after their journalists
published lengthy lists of individuals, most of them dignitaries and
even some photographs of people they hold practice homosexuality. The
publications became the main subject of the Minister of Communication's
declaration at a ceremony at the Conference Centre last Monday aimed at
receiving New Year wishes from workers in the sector.
Absence of professionalism! It is
on this subject that the Minister dwelled lengthily, reminding media
practitioners of the importance of staying within facts. This is an
elementary lesson in journalisms schools. "Facts are sacrosanct", we are
often told and we are free to express our opinions. It simply implies
that journalists are expected to report facts, leaving nothing to the
figment of the imagination. So were they any findings? Are the reports
based on facts? Can investigations lead to fingers against these people?
Considering that the onus of proof
is on the complainant, the homosexuality affair appears a bitter pill
for those who attempt to dabble in it for several reasons. Among them is
the difficulty in proving a secret act. Just like adultery,
homosexuality in Cameroon (where it is illegal) will require
extraordinary prowess to substantiate. Even then, the press can not
replace the judiciary, by passing judgement. So was it mere speculation?
That should not be the task of journalists.
No matter from what perspective the
issue is considered, there are limits to writing or communicating on the
private lives of individuals. It also hinges on basic human rights.
Where does the journalist's job ends in communicating on the private
lives of individuals? Much debate has been unfolding on such ethical
issues. Even where consensus is rare, media practitioners will agree
that people have the right to privacy.
Another major issue that has been
raised as a result of the recent publications is that of control. Has
the watchdog no limits? Who watches the watch dog? Like other Estates of
the realm of power which are checked so that they do not become lethal
to the entire nation through excessive powers, the fourth Estate needs a
similar check and balance mechanism. Journalists do agree that such a
pre-emptive force should be the preserve of professionals within the
corps. Unfortunately, they do little or nothing to give the structure
the clout it deserves. That is why the National Media Council has been
unable to take off and to play its overriding watch dog role. This has
contributed in keeping the gates of the profession permanently open for
just anybody who can read and write to move in. Colleagues have to watch
out so that those who are already in (no matter whether they came in
through the front door or the back), should abide by the rules.
It is often difficult to see the
"log in one's eyes". Rather, it is easy "to see the speck in another's".
Many media practitioners in Cameroon are no exception to this saying as
regards malpractices in the profession. They criticize others when they
fail to do their job well. That is right and ethical. But
self-assessment is also a challenge.
As social critics, journalists have
to endeavour to be irreproachable so as not to tarnish the image of the
noble profession. In fact, journalists may not be as bad as other
professionals but their role in building the society calls for such
regular self-assessments.
Does it imply that quacks have
invaded the profession? Of course, people who claim to be journalists
and are willing to shelf all ethical values in their insatiable quest
for material advantages could use the papers for self aggrandisement.
|
