Accra: Mr Omar Faruk Osman, the President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), has called on media houses to invest in digital security as a measure to uphold ethical standards in journalism amidst technological advancements. As media organizations transition into the digital realm, building systems to protect these standards has become imperative, he emphasized.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Osman shared these insights during the Corporate Governance Series webinar. The event was organized by Corporate Secretarial and Training Services Limited, in collaboration with media partners such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Ghana Journalists Association. The webinar focused on the theme: 'Steering the Narrative: Effective Corporate Governance for Media Excellence.'
Mr. Osman highlighted the need for media organizations to adopt inclusive and robust governance practices. This approach ensures that they are well-equipped to contribute effectively to nation-building efforts. He also emphasized the importance of media houses and practitioners collaborating to foster internal accountability and establish a strong, inclusive governance system.
Professor Amin Alhassan, the Director-General of GBC, further stressed the importance of having an effective media board composition, suggesting it should include a legal practitioner, finance expert, and experienced media professional. He pointed out the pressing issue of media funding, which could potentially compromise media independence and freedom.
Prof. Alhassan urged the National Media Commission to require media owners to implement proper salary structures and pension plans for journalists as a condition for renewing their operational licenses. He noted that many journalists, particularly in the private media sector, lack adequate salaries and retirement benefits. He called on labor unions within the media industry to advocate for improved wages and working conditions for journalists across the country.