By: Staff Writer
Barclayville District, (Grand Kru TV News)- A broadcast Liberian journalist Matthias Larbiendee has cautioned media practitioners to always demonstrate the true essence of journalism by upholding Media Law and Ethics at the highest degree.
Journalist Larbiendee frowned on some members of the media over gross ethical transgression in the discharge of the reportage which undermines the true essence of the noble profession journalism.
The caution comes ahead of the impending crucial 2023 October 10 presidential and Legislative elections in which the media has a pivotal role to play.
Larbiendee, who is also Co-host on the popular Talk Show 50-50 on SKY FM in Monrovia with veteran Talk Show Host T-Max Jlateh, said it is very disheartening to witness some journalists go contrary to their profession norms and ethics on many occasions giving the significant in complete disregard to the important role they have to play the society.
Larbiendee further cautioned Liberian journalists recounting the Rwandan Genocide from the media through the broadcast of hate messages that sparked conflict between the Hutus and Tutsees claiming thousands of lives in the East African country in 1994.
“ We as journalists the world over have a key role to play enlightening the minds of our viewers, listeners and readers, and this role must not be put said for no reason, he intimated”.
Speaking at the weekend on Media Round Table on Ahteenah Radio in Grand Kru county, journalist Larbiendee reminded his media fellow colleagues to uphold the ethics of their work mentioning accuracy, fairness, verification and context referencing a media research booklet by former late Liberia Media Center head journalist Lawrence Randall.
But Journalist Larbiendee also expressed displeasure in some media colleagues whose broadcast and publication are characterized by deception and fabrication, all negative vices that continue to paint an ugly picture of the Liberian media in general.
He used his story and years of experience to motivate upcoming young Liberian journalists especially those in the rural parts to see their profession as one intended to help shape the development of their communities, counties, Liberia and beyond.
“Journalists practicing in rural Liberia must not de-value themselves as they remain key partners in promoting peace and strengthening democracy, Larbiendee admonished”.
He reminded rural journalists of the challenges they will be faced with executing their professional duties, noting it will not rosy recounting his start in the practice at Radio SALAM in Bamballah, Porkpa district Grand Cape Mount County.
Commenting on the role of Liberian journalists in the ensuing October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections, he urged them recollect on the norms and ethics of the practice.
“Our role as the watch dog of society and members of the fourth estate must remain neutral and lest we give in and be carried away by politicians because during the struggle for political power, many seeking election or re-election will attempt using the media for their personal, political and selfish gains, Larbiendee pointed out”.
Journalist Matthias Larbiendee who has a community Radio background from Grand Cape Mount County has worked with several media institutions including the Catholic run Radio VERITAS, Red Power FM, Capitol FM and now SKY FM among others.
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