[ 2017-10-12 ]

Don’t follow ‘malicious’ social media – Rawlings advises Media General
Former President Jerry John Rawlings says the
media has a bigger role to play in rebuilding the
moral fabric of the Ghanaian society.

Programmes ought to be created to right the
menace in society in the areas of religion,
culture and education, he said.

“The media should understand the power it
possesses and be aware of the fact that most
people in rural Ghana easily accept what’s on
television as truthful and using the media to
portray unacceptable things creates a ripple
effect on the populace and soon everyone is
engaged.”

Mr Rawlings gave the admonishing on Wednesday
when leadership of Media General, mother company
of TV3, MG Radio (3FM, Onua FM, Akoma FM and
Connect FM), MG Digital (www.3news.com) and Adesa
Productions, paid a courtesy call on him at his
office at Ridge in Accra.

According to the ex-President, it is obvious
social media is competing with mainstream media
but he charged Media General to remain truthful
and maintain its gate-keeping role.

Mr Rawlings expressed worry that usually for the
desire to be the first to break news, mainstream
media seem to lose credibility by following the
“malicious nature” of social media, leading
sometimes to a ridicule of persons who ought to be
honoured.

He charged the media to support local producers
in producing content accustomed to Ghanaian
culture.

“It’s time to tell the story of Ghana,” he
stressed.

‘Beautiful ones born’

He cited, for instance, that the beautiful ones
are born and the media have to give them the
opportunity to express themselves. Else they would
be suppressed by the corrupt environment created,
he observed.

Mr Rawlings, who is the longest reigning Ghanaian
leader, was concerned the media appear focused on
profit which affects the quality of content
required in shaping and forming society.

On the African society, he said it is time the
continent had a voice in telling its own story so
Africa can have a good representation of its
culture and identity. He said the influx of
foreign content does not help in the growth and
developmental process of Ghana, and Africa as a
whole.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Media
General, Pearl Esua-Mensah, who led the
delegation, stated that her firm is committed to
producing quality content as well as supporting
the local industry and its content.

Source - 3news.com

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