By Joseph Ezekiel Thulla:
This article addresses a significant problem in the media environment in Sierra Leone. It conveys annoyance at the dominance of powerful people in news organizations who put their own goals ahead of the objectivity of journalism. To stifle the diversity of viewpoints and impede free expression in journalism, a central figure who filters and manipulates news information in line with their political, personal, or financial goals is portrayed by this gatekeeper metaphor.
It is regrettable to see that certain gatekeepers and editors fail to consider the following important issues and negative impacts on journalism. Mr. or Mrs. Gatekeeper, kindly review the information below.
Bias and gatekeeping are almost ingrained in Sierra Leonean media culture. Unfortunately, leaders participate in the process of choosing, modifying, or deleting news items before they are made available to the general public. In this instance, the gatekeeper’s choices seem to be greatly impacted by political affiliations and personal ideologies. This has led to a type of media bias whereby stories that contradict their opinions or the party’s agenda are ignored.
Sadly, as a result, the newsroom stops being an impartial source of information and starts functioning as an extension of party or individual propaganda. The ethics of journalism, which place a strong emphasis on impartiality, fairness, and the search for the truth, are seriously threatened by this.
Some reporters and journalists operating under such a system today are visibly frustrated. These journalists in Sierra Leone are subject to censorship not only from outside political forces but also from within their own newsrooms. This limits their capacity to act as social watchdogs, discourages investigative journalism, and reduces their professional autonomy… People in society are irritated. What a shame
Furthermore, the practice of cutting salaries or benefits for individuals who disagree with the gatekeeper’s sensationalism is fostering a climate of pressure and self-censorship. When journalists stray from the approved editorial line, they can face financial penalties in some newsrooms. This lowers morale and stifles initiative and originality. This is insane.
Commercialization of journalism seems to be a current phenomenon in Sierra Leone’s journalism landscape. This is quite disheartening. The reason behind this is that their allusions to newspapers that are crammed with adverts, taking up valuable real estate like the front page, center spread, and rear page, hint at a further issue facing Sierra Leone’s media environment: the commercialization of news. The importance of revenue-generating commercials has displaced editorial content, severely undermining journalism’s function as a public service. Newspapers seem not to be no longer outlets for public discourse, education, or accountability; instead, they are commercial enterprises with administrative content taking precedence over journalistic content. This is leading to “gray and unattractive papers” that don’t enlighten or engage their audience.
There is a ton of pathetic disinformation and low-quality news in several of our newspapers. (I MAY BE IN ERROR). Professional journalists need to be aware that the terms “crowded fake news” and “pictures without headlines and bylines” suggest a picture of misinformation and journalistic incompetence. It is important to remember that fact-checking, appropriate attribution, and concise storytelling are essential components of reputable journalism.
However, in Sierra Leone, some gatekeeper control is leading to the production of untrustworthy content. Some “PROFESSIONALS” are unaware of the serious ramifications this has for the general population, who depend on the news for reliable and timely information. EZEKIEL only wants to point out that fake news damages society’s confidence and can make divisions worse, especially in a politically sensitive atmosphere. It is not surprising that there is severe division in Sierra Leone.
Hegemonic organizations now seem to exert severe financial control over newsrooms. It is important to recognize that the underlying economic power structures in Sierra Leone are exposed by the dominance of “hegemonic financial supporters” in determining news content.
According to some analysts, newsrooms frequently rely financially on corporate or political sponsors, which compromises their ability to maintain editorial independence. This is despicable. It is important to remember that when financial backers control the newsroom, journalism becomes even more entangled in a web of special interests, making it difficult for balanced reporting to occur.
To be honest I think that journalism needs to change.
Since the piece’s title calls for the gatekeeper’s death, Ezekiel Thulla is requesting a call for change. This represents a call for change in the media landscape of Sierra Leone. The elimination of those who slant news stories for their own political or personal benefit is essential to journalism’s continued existence as a democratic institution.A free and independent press is essential to accountability, openness, and the smooth operation of society.
The day the gatekeeper passes away is a metaphor for a day when Sierra Leonean journalism will be free from bias, censorship, and commercial intrusion.
The documentary “When Shall the Gatekeeper in Sierra Leone Journalism Die!!!” exposes systemic issues in the country’s news industry, where a few gatekeepers obstruct the free and unprejudiced flow of information. Their exertion of control stifles journalistic freedom, compromises news quality, and 👉👉puts profit ahead of the public’s right to know. Destroying these gatekeeping organizations is necessary for true reform, allowing the media to revert to its original purpose of reporting the truth and advancing public welfare.
Joseph Ezekiel Thulla,
Principal and Lecturer
Email: [email protected]