BE CIRCUMSPECT IN REPORTAGE — BOADU AYEBOAFOH (PAGE 31)

Reporters of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) have been advised to be circumspect in their reportage to avoid creating tension in the run-up to the December 7 general election.
Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, General Manager, Newspapers, of the GCGL, who gave the advice, said it was important for reporters to exhibit the highest form of professionalism and ethical values in their reportage as a way of maintaining the image of the company.
The General Manger was speaking at a seminar organised for reporters in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions to sensitise them to the essence of good reportage and the need to be more professional, especially in the coverage of the December general election, and also respect ethical values to make them more productive to the company and the reading public.
"You must behave professionally and ethically at all times. This is because we have come a long way from where some people did not want to read the Daily Graphic to a situation where we are now recognised as the most credible newspaper in the country. This is a credit to us, and that is what we must maintain.
"We should, however, not dwell in our past glory, but strive to make history as the most credible and widely circulated newspaper in the country, and I hope none of you would give us cause to regret by forcing us to retract any story just because it did not give the true picture of what really happened," he stressed.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh pointed out that it was important for reporters to balance their stories, avoid misrepresentation of information and be fair in their reportage to avoid creating tension among the various political parties and their supporters.
"Always exercise discretion that would redeem the integrity and image of the company and avoid any form of reportage that would create tension. This is because there seems to be too much tension in the country and we should not do anything that would add to it. You should be circumspect about your reportage to avoid creating any enmity among the candidates and their supporters," he stressed.
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh also warned that any reporter who would bring the name of the company into disrepute would be sanctioned.
For his part, the Political Editor of Daily Graphic, Mr Kobby Asmah, advised the reporters to eschew all forms of biases in their work and be committed to their profession.
He urged them to avoid adding their personal sentiments to their stories, stressing that reporters should not be judgemental when they cover events.
"You should present the story as you see it and leave the public to judge," he advised.