Journalists Are Failing the Nation – Bright Kankam Boadu
Veteran journalist says financial motivation is overtaking commitment to public service
- Journalism is now driven by money, not passion or public service
- Political influence is compromising journalistic truth and integrity
- Media is failing in its nation-building role by spreading misinformation
Renowned sports journalist Bright Kankam Boadu has added his voice to the conversation about the role of the media in Ghana’s development, asserting that journalism is losing its purpose and journalists are falling short in their duty to the nation.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Kankam Boadu was blunt in his assessment: “Generally, journalists are failing the nation.”
He explained that the media’s role in nation-building has diminished over time, comparing the current state of journalism to a far more purpose-driven past.
“The journalism train moving from those days to current days are different,” he said, suggesting that the profession has lost its foundational values.
Kankam Boadu criticized the growing focus on financial gain over public service, stating, “Journalism has reduced to money and not the love for the job.”
He argued that many journalists now prioritize personal income over integrity and public interest. “Journalists think about money, and it is because of the system that has been influenced by politicians,” he added, pointing to political interference as a major factor behind this shift.
He also lamented the poor quality of content on some platforms, saying, “Sometimes it is boring to listen to some radio stations, and you can’t imagine it.”
He said the lack of engaging, meaningful, and factual journalism is a disservice to the public.
Emphasizing the critical role of the media in a democracy, Kankam Boadu reminded listeners of why journalism is often referred to as the fourth estate.
“The reason the media is the fourth estate of the realm is because most of the information, journalists disseminate them,” he explained. But rather than using that power responsibly, he observed that some journalists choose sensationalism over substance. “Instead of feeding the public the truth, we decide to feed them with chaffs.”
Kankam Boadu urged his colleagues to embrace honesty and truth as core values. “We have to be truthful and honest to help nation building,” he urged.
