Due to their inability to link role notions to performance, journalists themselves are a danger to independent journalism, according to the 2023 edition of the State of the Ghanaian Media Report.
The research, which was just released in Accra, looks at how the role of Ghanaian journalists interacts with their actual performance and aims to identify mediating elements that either support or hinder journalists' capacity to practice their art.
The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana (UG), in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa and the American Embassy, performed the study that served as the basis for the State of the Ghanaian Media Report.
Dr. Sarah Akrofi-Quarcoo of the DCS and Dr. Lucky Emeka Umejei, a researcher, co-authored a chapter of the report titled "Media Freedom and Professional Journalism Practices" with the goal of identifying mediating factors that encourage or inhibit journalists' ability to practice their craft based on the conception of their professional roles.
"We discovered that editors generally have a common understanding of the values and standards of journalism." They were aware of their place in society and the numerous tasks they were required to perform, the report said.
The editors had a constructive attitude towards carrying out their jobs as editors. They frequently considered themselves playing complementary roles as both societal watchdogs and partners in the nation-building goal.
The research reaffirmed that Ghana's 30 years of democratic rule had been critical eras for the practice of professional journalism.
It claimed that as a result of the early 1990s re-democratization, liberties including freedom of expression, media independence, and more room for the practice and growth of professional journalism were all protected by the constitution.
The function of journalists in a democracy, however, has come under examination over time due to unprofessional and irresponsible practices in Ghanaian journalism.
It showed that although journalists frequently assume the watchdog position in the media, some situations can force them to take on a more collaborative or nation-building role that is thought to be crucial for the advancement and cohesiveness of the country.
The gap between role conception and performance, however, appeared to exist; it was related to ownership considerations, journalistic habits, gatekeeper pressures, and advertising impacts.
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