Liberia: Too many Political Commentators who are not Journalist are the main problem

It is unfortunate that many people do not understand how unique and credible it is to be called a journalist. Do you know how many political commentators, who are not journalists, operate platforms where they spread information without any fact-checking? Too often, people say that “journalists in Liberia are the problem,” but in reality, a lot of misinformation comes from unregulated podcasts on Facebook or radio shows where information is shared without verification.

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By: Journalist O’Neal Roberts Essomba, contributing writer  

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True journalism plays a vital role in society — providing accurate information, holding those in power accountable, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Sadly, in recent years, some politicians and public figures have tried to undermine the credibility of the media, often simply because reporting does not align with their narratives or interests.

Discrediting journalism takes many forms — from labeling the press as “fake news” to attacking individual journalists or spreading so-called “alternative facts” that distort reality. These tactics create a dangerous environment where misinformation thrives, leaving the public uncertain about whom to trust.

That is why journalists must remain committed to ethical standards: prioritizing accuracy, seeking balanced perspectives, maintaining transparency, and actively engaging with the public to rebuild trust. A healthy democracy depends on a free and independent press to inform citizens and hold those in power accountable.

This is our responsibility as trained professionals. Political commentators are not journalists, yet many of them deliberately push unverified information that misleads the public and sows distrust in the media. Unlike them, we have spent years studying — at undergraduate and even graduate levels — to earn degrees and uphold the integrity of this noble profession.