Stop “soli” to sanitize airwaves - Press Foundation

The Press Foundation (TPF) has called for better remuneration for media personnel as the world celebrates the World Press Freedom Day today.

In a release signed by its Executive Director, Listowell Yesu Bukarson he said “ we call for better remuneration for journalists to save the media the humiliation of practitioners taking monies from organizers of events. These monies commonly called, solidarity (soli) has succeeded in giving the profession a negative image.

In most cases journalists queue to await this “soli” at the expense of filling their stories after assignments. Worse of it, the “soli” determines whether or not a journalist should file a story. And if he or she must file the story at all, they will not be motivated to file good story without “soli”. This is despicable, shameful and inimical to say the least”

Read full release commemorating the day below:

The Press Foundation, TPF, wishes to commend journalists and media practioners across the country for their immense contribution to society.

We, especially commend the media for the high and enviable levels of professionalism exhibited in the December 2016 general elections in Ghana.

As the world celebrates journalism today, we entreat the media not to rest on its oars, but continue to forge ahead; blaze the stormy times in the practice of journalism till the impact of journalism is felt.

The Press Foundation, will like to, on this day, also call on media owners, the National Media Commission, government and stakeholders to brainstorm a way of sanitizing the media, especially the electronic media.

There is so much abuse of the airwaves with foreign material, vulgar, violence, indecency etc, which have long term negative impact on our society.

We also call for better remuneration for journalists to save the media the humiliation of practioners taking monies from organizers of events. These monies commonly called, solidarity (soli) has succeeded in giving the profession a negative image. In most cases journalists queue to await this “soli” at the expense of filling their stories after assignments. Worse of it, the “soli” determines whether or not a journalist should file a story. And if he or she must file the story at all, they will not be motivated to file good story without “soli”. This is despicable, shameful and inimical to say the least.

Yesterday, ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas sent me a video of his participation in the World Press Freedom Day in Jakarta, Indonesia. The live facebook one-one-one interview summarized the impact he is making on the world as a journalist. I felt proud because he is marketing the Ghanaian and African brand of Journalism.

For us he is the epitome of journalism on the continent, for which the TPF commends him. We therefore call on young and budding journalists to emulate him as we seek to better the lot of journalism in Ghana and on the continent at large.

It’s on record that, the Ghana Journalist Association, GJA, elections have come under some controversies. The Press Foundation would like to call on the elections committee to endeavor to intervene to bring about order so this remarkable association will continue to better serve the collective interest of the Ghanaian journalist.

Once, again The Press Foundation wishes the Ghanaian journalist the best in the ensuing years.

Ayekoo!