Saturday, July 30, 2011

Extreme language damages broadcasting in Ghana

The Media Foundation for West Africa has expressed dismay at what it describes as the alarming increase in the use of indecent language in the media landscape. At a media briefing in Accra, Ghana, Professor Kwame Karikari said the rights to free speech and media freedom have come under threat by radio and television commentators, political party functionaries and public office holders who respect no ethical principles and manners in their public utterances.

He bemoaned the situation where false allegations and claims, insulting expressions and blatant lies have characterised discussions on the airwaves. Professor Karikari also expressed displeasure about the manner in which political party functionaries heap vicious accusations against leaders without any justification.

He noted that the indecency in communication on radio and television discussions is not reflective of the Ghanaian cultural standards and undermines the contribution of the broadcast media in the advancement of democracy in Ghana. Professor Karikari said the time has come for radio and television networks to ensure that participants in their current affairs programmes are independent minded enough to encourage non-sectarian expressions and fairness in the discussions. He called on the government to speed up the process of enacting the broadcasting law.

(Source: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation via Media Network Weblog)

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