The Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has stated that the success of the media is directly linked to the well-being of citizens, as the media is the driving force behind active citizen participation in democracy.

According to him, when people forget this, they may lash out at the media, whether motivated by political affiliations or personal grievances against a journalist's statements or actions.

Dr Asante also underscored the vital role the media plays in reporting during crises and disasters.

Speaking on JoyNews' National Dialogue of Defending Media Freedom, Dr Asante said, "One day, when you wake up and there is flooding in your area or some disaster is coming, and you have no means of getting information to save your life, then you will understand what the media means."

The CDD fellow noted that the media landscape is dominated by the youth as newsrooms are filled with young people.

Dr Asante emphasised that the daily experiences of these young journalists will influence and reflect how young people across Ghana perceive the country.

"If they are constantly being intimidated, beaten up, and so on, that is how they will feel about the country because they represent the majority of us. The way they feel about Ghana will reflect in how they communicate about the country, which is why I believe we should care more about the media."

The Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana is partnering the Multimedia Group Ghana Limited for the JoyNews National Dialogue of Defending Media Freedom.