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NMC calls two Daily Guide stories unethical and abusive
Accra, Jan 25, Ghanadot/GNA - The
National Media Commission (NMC) on Friday said two stories
published on the front pages of the Thursday edition of the
Daily Guide was “sensational, unethical and abusive” of the
privacy of the individuals mentioned.
A statement signed in Accra by Mr Paul Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman
of the Commission, said the first story headlined:
"Policeman Raped Me" revealed the identity of a supposed
rape victim by mentioning her name, place of residence, name
of husband and age.
According to the Commission, even though the paper sought to
blur the picture of the victim, the attempt was ineffective
and in any case, could have done little to protect her image
in her community.
"The Commission is concerned that the paper may have done as
much damage to the woman as the alleged rapist. And the
stigma associated with publicity may also deter other rape
victims from reporting the conduct of rapists".
To the Commission, while the ethics of journalism permitted
limited disclosure of personal details of rape victims,
especially where the victims themselves had sought publicity
and have been made to understand the implications of
publicity, the profession demanded of journalists handling
such a story to treat the victim with circumspection with
the ultimate aim of helping seek justice rather than court
scorn.
"The Daily Guide's story failed this basic test. Even though
the writer indicates that the supposed victim spoke to the
paper suggesting that she had consented to the publication,
the treatment of the story lacked the professional
sensitivity demanded in such situations".
Furthermore, the Commission described the second story with
headline "Mills in Coma" as misleading, sensational and
insensitive.
It said the introduction of the adjective "political" in the
lead of that story could not redeem a highly speculative
story with little factual basis.
It was of considerable professional worry that the writer
went ahead to publish such a speculative story about a
former Vice-President of this country even when the paper
had no facts to support its assertion, the statement
indicated.
“As a profession in the service of society, journalism does
not deviate from cultural imperatives. The etiquette of
Ghanaian society required all to show sensitivity to the
sick and vulnerable.
“As a result, even where facts were established about the
ailing health of a person, the appropriate response may be
that of goodwill and speedy recovery. It is therefore
worrisome where a newspaper creates illness for a public
figure in the service of his nation without the sensitivity
demanded by the profession.”
It therefore deplored the behaviour of the Daily Guide and
enjoined all journalists to perform professionally as the
nation prepares for election 2008.
GNA
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