The President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Edwin Arthur has revealed that major game changer in the media space – digitalization, has brought about a new set of challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the revised Code of Ethics for PRINPAG, earlier today at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall, Mr. Arthur indicated that the media space has undergone a rapid evolution by the advent of technology and digitalization. He explained that the digital era has birthed a new way of creating, disseminating and consuming information. “The media is evolving rapidly driven by the digital revolution; you would all agree with me that we are currently witnessing an unprecedented transformation in the way information is created disseminated and consumed.”
Mr. Arthur stated that the digital era has done a good job in expanding the reach of information from the media, which in hand, strategically positions the media as a very integral part of every society. “It is an undeniable fact today that online platforms have expanded the reach of journalism enabling us to engage with audiences across Ghana and beyond.” he said.
However, he noted that this digital age has brought about new challenges which cannot be left unattended. He stressed that the emergence of the digital age has subtly scrapped the distinction between news, opinion and entertainment – paving the way for misinformation, fake news and hate speech to invade the media space. “The lines between news, opinions, and entertainment have become obviously blurred. Misinformation, fake news and hate speeches can spread like wildfire undermining the integrity of the information space.”
Mr. Edwin Arthur highly commended the efforts of all key stakeholders for their efforts in putting a new set of ethics together that will handle these challenges in the media space. “It is in response to these challenges that the leadership of PRINPAG has crafted a revised code of ethics, one that speaks to the modern realities of modern journalism while preserving the timelines and the values that define our profession as one whose mandate is crucial to the survival of nations.”
By: Kobina Baidoo