3rd AMC: Journalists Deserve Fair Salary and Compensation-Churchill Otieno
president of African Editors Forum (TAEF), Mr. Churchill Otieno has called for a fair salary and compensation package for Journalists in Africa for their invaluable work.
According to him Journalists in the region are exposed to myriad of dangers in their quest to seek information and disseminate them for public consumption.
Mr. Otieno who doubles as the Chairman of the 3rd AMC Steering Committee was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3rd African Media Convention at the Accra International Conference Centre on Thursday.
“As we gather to shape the future of African media, we must address the issue of fair compensation. It is imperative that journalists and media professionals receive fair remuneration for their invaluable work. The current landscape, marked by the dominance of big tech platforms, often sees media organizations struggling to monetize their content while these platforms profit from it. We must advocate for fair compensation mechanisms, including equitable revenue-sharing models and copyright reforms, to ensure that journalists are adequately rewarded for their contributions. By championing fair compensation, we not only uphold the dignity and livelihoods of journalists but also fortify the foundation of a sustainable and thriving media ecosystem”, Mr. Otieno emphasized.
He therefore called called media owners in Africa to adopt a Compensation mechanism for all Journalists.
The President of TAEF who paid growing tribute to the Journalists who have died and jailed in line of duties also urged the media to harness the power of Creativity and Innovation.
He said there was the need for Journalists in the region to adopt innovative technology to enhance their work in the face of new trends in the media space.
He appealed to governments in Africa to make data accessible and affordable to Journalists since the media need data for their work in light of how digitalized the media has become.
“Another pressing issues we must address is data accessibility.Journalists rely on this data for access of information and investigative Journalism.
Mr. Otieno emphasized that Journalists need the data to tell the African story and hold government accountable.
In his welcome remarks, the GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour commended government and the US Embassy in Accra for contributing to Ghana’s improvement
that in spite of the improvement in the World Press Freedom Index ranking.
He however was quick to add that “ there are still some critical challenges we need to deal with, especially as Ghanaians go to the polls in December. We pray that the entire nation will protect journalists in the discharge of their duties and we also pledge to protect the interest of the entire nation with credible election coverage”.
Mr. Dwumfour later also commended government for logistical and protocol support as well as all sponsors in making the Convention a memorable.
The GJA President also expressed gratitude to the participants who have come from far and near for the convention.
On her part the Minister for Information designate, Fatimatu Abubakar touted government’s implementation of the MCEP to enhance the capacity of Journalists.
He said about 140 Journalists have so far been trained adding that government intends to expand it to cover more journalists.
She said the Ministry has collaborated with the Judiciary to ensure attackers of Journalists are punished.
“Furthermore, as part of efforts to combat impunity and ensure accountability, the Ministry of Information has been actively engaging with the Judicial Service. We have advocated for severe punishment by the judiciary for those who attack journalists and media houses. We must hold those who attempt to silence the press accountable for their actions, and we will spare no effort in pursuing justice for the victims of such unwarranted attacks”, Madam Abubakar stressed.
Source:NewsFlashAfrica.Com
