Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Ambassador Kabral Blay Amihere, has cautioned that the public will soon turn against the media if it does not deal with unethical journalism and corruption, as well take steps to mend its ways. "Ghana's democracy is quiet better because we have a vibrant press but the actions of journalists can bring down this nation. We have a false belief that the media is free but I say that by our transgressions, it will give the authorities opportunity to clamp down on the media," he explained. Ambassador Kabral was speaking at a public lecture organised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to mark 75 years of broadcasting in the country. The theme for the celebration was 'The national broadcaster - Agent for development.' The lecture, on the topic 'Media in democracy: The case of Ghana', was the last in the series of lectures and seminars lined up by the nation's premier broadcaster for the celebration. Ambassador Kabral said, "Since journalists, as members of the human race are by nature political animals, there will always be politics in the media and journalists will take sides in political struggles. But the Ghanaian media must develop the culture to operate as newspapers and electronic media and not as propaganda sheets or voice-boxes of political parties or partisan interests." He said journalists could pursue ideals and causes dear to their hearts without serving as propagandists, adding "it is possible as other media in other parts of the world do, to remain professional and still be politically relevant." He said politicians who set up "little newspapers to propagate their agenda should keep clear from the profession or at best not be ones to criticize the press." Ambassador Kabral cautioned the media, particularly the numerous private radio stations, to be responsible in their operations, saying "not long ago, it was unthinkable for anybody, apart from the state, to have private radio. A great deal of social responsibility lies on their shoulders to ensure that their stations are not used by anybody to promote division and civil strife in Ghana." He also urged editors of state-owned media to continue to prevent governmental interference in their operations, saying "any control, direct or indirect from government, can only take place if the management and editors of the state-owned media allow themselves to be used." He commended the private media for blazing the trail for press freedom when Ghana was in a democratic transition, saying "the lack of professional solidarity in the media fraternity today, due to undue politicization of issues, is an indication that the media needed to do more if it has to continue expanding the frontiers of media freedom." He also supported the call for the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to help weed out charlatans from the profession, but said it should be handled with care so that it would not negate the fundamental rights of every Ghanaian to free speech and freedom of expression. Ambassador Kabral commended the present and past staff of GBC for sacrificing to get the station on track. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information who stood in for the sector Minister, said Ambassador Kabral's presentation is candid, erudite and authoritative. He came out so sincerely and honestly." He promised government's readiness to support any effort that would promote freedom of the media and the practitioners, and called on the media to also observe high ethical and professional standards. William Ampem-Darko, Director-General of the GBC, said .media freedom should never be restricted, adding "the frontiers of media freedom should rather be expanded for our democracy to grow rapidly." Source: Daily Guide