Newsmen and “Soli”

There is no doubt that the media in Ghana is doing a marvelous job and reporters are not left out.

They have helped greatly in the spread of information, education, and entertainment among others things. And for these reasons they are a force to reckon with.

However, some reporters have taken up a bitter and hostile attitude toward program organizers. It should be realised that they are paid for their service at their working places; therefore they need to carry out assignments accordingly.

It is so annoying and worrying to see some reporters raising their voice and unprofessionally quarrelling over money (soli) given to newsmen by organizers in showing appreciation for coverage.

Some reporters come in group from same media house unaware and this turns into scuffle when they have to share money amongst them.

There is this self-acclaimed journalist who never represents any media house. The alarm here is what if they never publish or broadcast the information after taking money, what would the concerned organization do?

There are reporters who also represent at assignment grounds and end up having their stories rejected by their editors due to poor presentation.

It looks as if they have been forced into taking up the job and that not withstanding, they mostly decide whether to present the stories in print or electronic based on their own will. In some cases, they publish it because soli was received and the reverse is true. The bad nuts amongst them precisely must exhibit professionalism by upgrading their skills for the betterment of the society.