When PR is cloaked as journalism

The problem with that cranky segment of our profession [the media] is not just the occasional display of two-facedness, but the deliberateness with which this is done.

The manifestations vary in different environments.

A bunch of newspapers. In Sierra Leone journalism, particularly the print media, is in crisis

As per my humble experience, I have not seen this manifested anywhere more than in Sierra Leone, where the pen and paper or the keyboard have become tools to achieving selfish ends rather than the transformative vehicle they are meant to be.

The emphasis here is on the print section, although a few radio stations with links to some of the strayed print media tend to tow that pliant direction.

It is worst for the online brands.

Does it surprise me why some of these publishers always appear struggling to convince themselves rather than their readers that they are the best?

They distort the fact, yet they deceitfully endeavour to have the reader believe that they represent the truth, and nothing but the truth.

If you refuse to look at the fact through another msn`s prism you are like doomed!

The references normally resorted to are too squalid for public consumption.

Reading through such papers one is only left wondering what the people behind them seek to achieve.

There is so much to be reported, yet the best part of the media engrosses itself in unnecessary banter.

There couldn’t be any better reminder of the impact of this, at this crucial time in Sierra Leone` democratic journey, than a facebook post by Freetown-based Canadian journalist, Stephen Douglas, last evening [Wednesday 14 November].

He wanted to know why all of a sudden every police officer he saw was wearing new uniform.

About two weeks ago, at the Ministry of Information and Communications` weekly government press briefing, Inspector General of Police Alieu Francis Munu warned journalists present of the impending new look of the police.

He said they`d acquired a batch of new uniforms and that all police officers should be expected in their new outfit with official tags bearing their names.

In addition, each police officer will be in possession of specially made ID cards for easy identification.

According to the IG, this was necessary to distinguish genuine police officers from impersonators [clearly an admission that the police had been infiltrated].

This development may have been inspired by the security needs of the ongoing electioneering process, but it sure represents a much needed change in the Sierra Leone Police.

It shows that the force is clearly on a new path towards the full realisation of its ‘Force for Good’ aspiration.

Now, you would expect such information to future well in the local media.

But I guess the ‘celebrated’, ‘award winning’ ‘ace’ journalists of Freetown fame were preoccupied on matters relating  to Maada Bio`s past, or some perceived inadequacies of Mr President, rather than talk on some police wardrobe affairs.

When PR is cloaked as journalism, where there is no red line, such is the result.

The thought of the sacrifices of those who sacrificed their future for today`s Sierra Leone is what saddens me in all this.