Cestos, River Cess county – The president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Charles B. Coffey says journalists in Liberia must practice their trade in accordance with journalistic ethical principles.
“As we celebrate world press freedom day today, it’s a responsibility of the media to remain more ethical, professional, upright and patriotic in its action, because the media is a double edge sword. There is a need for all journalists to be in line with the ethic of journalism,” Coffey said.
Speaking in Cestos city, River Cess County, the PUL boss said while it’s the responsibility of the media to expose ills in the society, it is also binding on journalist to be credible in their reportage.
According to him, ethical principles is the core value of the profession.
Coffey said the media is a powerful tool that need to be used properly to change the mind of the citizens.
“The media can change the mind and thinking of the people through her reportage,” the PUL president said.
This year World Press Freedom Day PUL celebration was observed under the theme, “Celebrating the decriminalization of free speech offenses in Liberia”.
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated across the world every May 3 each year to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression inshrimed under article 19 0f the 1948 United Nations declaration.
Speaking further, the PUL presidnet indicated that the union will continue to champion the cause of journalists across Liberia.
“The focus of the PUL is to advocates for an enabling environment for journalists to operate in without fear or favor,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the PUL president is commending the government for decriminalizing free speech in the country.
According to him, the move was timely as it will help journalists unearth some of the vices that lead to the country’s civil war.
Giving the keynote address at the celebration, National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Bill Twehway said the decriminalization of free speech by the CDC-led government is a indication of the government’s willingness to protect free speech in the country.
The NPA boss called on journalists at the celebration to work with government in upholding free speech in the country.
“Press freedom is not the responsibility of the government alone, but the people and the media as well,” Twehway said.
According to him, the emergence of social media is a serious challenge to both the government and the PUL.
“The issue of social media have not only exposed our vulnerability but also pose a serious challenge to the traditional media,” he said.
The NPA boss noted that amid the challenges facing the Liberian media, the leadership of Charles Coffey is in better position to change the narrative of the Liberian media landscape.