June 30, 2021
By Dadson A. Musa
The media work in this country has its implication on so many things ranging from the keeping public servants on their toes, getting our democracy right, to helping with the general developmental issues of essence. Tribalism is the other issue that is getting in the way of balanced journalism. The fourth estate must be addressing issues for the peace and growth of this country. Our media is one of the oldest in Africa and has gone through transformations since military interjections and the one-party rule in the country. Now with this much prayed for and much fought for democracy the media is just as crucial as any other arm of government. But apart from the serious lack of investment in the media which has left it poor in our country , Sierra Leone, the other archilles’ heel is tribalism in our country. Our two major political parties are formed along tribal lines which should be cause for concern. And this has hampered to some extent the growth of our democracy. The repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act has given journalists the latitude to go about their work but the poverty across the media spectrum both print and electronics is making journalists perform in the shadows. ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune ‘ is the type of journalism we are witnessing in this country. The issues are there glaringly for us all to see. The problems are affecting us directly which as journalists we must bring to the fore but circumstances are forcing us to do otherwise . Twisting headlines to suit our pay masters is common practice in the journalism field in this country. Most headlines in both print and electronics media are complimentary instead of being challenging. The issues are affecting us and hunting us day in and day out but sometimes nobody shows the gut to differ and speak out. Sometimes it appears the country is on a ticking time bomb but people would prefer to let it just pass by instead of offending the paymasters.
The trend lines tell different story from the headlines. Most headlines are given upon reporters attending workshops and being given honorarium or transportation so the story is bound to favour the event organizers. Instead of reporters taking exception to what they observe as not being right they just write what will be pleasing to those who invited them . And to me this is not journalism but writing to impress the pay masters . Media houses most times fail to provide basics of transportation and lunch to reporters they send out. So the independence of journalists is always call to question. And if it stays that way our development will either stagnate or retrogress. We are making progress as a country , no denying the fact but we should not be complacent or be carried away by sentiments or tribalism/regionalism. The reality is , our democracy is budding and we must not let it fall back. There are threats and weaknesses and this is where the media should come in strong to play its part by being objective, fair and honest instead of twisting the fact to please some individuals. The ingredient that can make a democracy work is an independent and a strong media that work without fear or favour. The people need us more than those in power as we owe it to country which is divine. It is hoped that this poverty in our media landscape will be one day overcome and journalists will begin to look beyond tribe, region or political party blind loyalty and always speak truth to power for the good of our beloved country, Sierra Leone. The international community and the donors should not be misled into believing that it is well when it is not . As journalists we should be our own men and women and not be tied to the aprons of politicians for their selfish gains. Reporting must be as we see it, not as powers that be want us to write. The head lines must be ones that reflect the situation on the ground not about sensationalism, bias, currying favour, sponsored work. Reforms have been taking place in the media landscape but one thing of note is that views and events must be reported on the basis of objectivity which has the potential to change government policy for the good of society.