Mr Mathew Donkor, Principal of the Otec School of Journalism and Communication Studies has urged media practitioners and journalists to consciously publish information that are credible at all times.
He noted that this is the only way the profession can gain the needed respect and trust from the public.
Addressing the 4th graduation ceremony of the School which had the class of 2019, 2020 and 2021 passing out, Mr Donkor asked practitioners to crosscheck and establish the authenticity of information before publishing as news item.
The Principal noted that it was worrying to see journalists pick stories from social media platforms and publish same as credible stories.
“As professionals, we need not pick stories from social media and publish them as true, we need to practice double checking of our facts,” he advised.
DETAILS:
In all, 63 students graduated for the 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic years.
The 2018/2019 had graduating students of 16, with eight males and eight females.
The 2019/2020 had graduating class of 36 students, with 14 males and 22 females, and 2020/2021 also had 20 students, with 11 males and nine females.
The graduation ceremony was on the theme “Ensuring responsible journalism; the role of media training institutions.”
OTEC School runs a two-year Diploma in Journalism and Media studies and is affiliated to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), formally National Board for Professional and Technical Examination (NABPTEX).
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION:
Mr. Kwabena Owusu-Nketiah, the Director of Education, Obuasi East District, urged the media to be diligent with information.
He noted that it pays to take time to publish accurate information to maintain one’s credibility.
To him, the media was the fundamental pillar of a country, therefore, there was the need for responsible, free and independent press to hold persons in power to account.
He advised the graduands to maintain the quality of their reportage at the highest level, to help build and strengthen their credibility.
BACKGROUND:
OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies was established on the 1st of March, 2004 by the Late Mr. Bright Oppong Twumasi (the founder and Chief Executive of OTEC Group of Companies), with 10 students.
STORY BY MICHAEL OFOSU-AFRIYIE, KUMASI.