Journalists Should be Able to Ask Public Officials Difficult Questions – FBC Lecturer
Alex Fefegula Harding Journalists should be free to ask difficult questions, while public officials and other citizens must accept responsibility for their actions, journalist and lecturer Sheku Putka Kamara has said.
Kamara made the remarks during a discussion on national cohesion, media accountability and the responsibilities of different stakeholders in maintaining peace in Sierra Leone.
He argued that public accountability should apply equally to journalists, government officials, opposition politicians and ordinary citizens, stressing that freedom of expression does not remove the obligation to act responsibly.
Addressing concerns that recent developments involving media practitioners could discourage individuals from appearing on media platforms, Kamara said journalists should continue performing their professional duties without intimidation.
He maintained that public figures invited to media programmes should be prepared to answer questions, including those they may find uncomfortable, because journalists have a legitimate responsibility to scrutinise issues of public interest.
Kamara also highlighted accuracy, balance and fairness as essential principles of responsible journalism, saying media practitioners must uphold these standards when reporting and commenting on national issues.
He further defended the role of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in regulating the media landscape, arguing that journalists should be held accountable when they breach professional standards.
According to Kamara, mistakes in journalism should be acknowledged and addressed rather than allowed to undermine the broader contribution of the media to society.
He said a clearer understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of citizens, political actors and media practitioners would help strengthen public trust and support peaceful coexistence.
Kamara added that national cohesion requires participation from all sectors of society, with each stakeholder recognising both their rights and obligations.