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On the latest edition of AYV’s Hot Seat, two prominent voices in Sierra Leone’s media, Mamaja Jalloh, popularly known as DJ Base, and Umaru Fofanah of the BBC, discussed pressing issues facing the country’s journalism landscape.
The conversation highlighted the lack of practical training for journalists compared to other professions such as engineering, medicine, and law, which demand years of hands-on experience before graduation.
“Engineers, doctors, nurses, and lawyers spend several years doing practical training while studying to solidify their professional development. Journalists, on the other hand, often only go through a few weeks of internship, which is simply not enough,” remarked DJ Base, pointing out the gaps in journalistic preparation.
Umaru Fofanah shared his personal experiences, underscoring the importance of hard work and patience in the profession. “It took me ten years to secure a small old car, and I still rent a house in Freetown. However, some journalists today seem to want to get rich overnight, even at the expense of their conscience,” he said. Fofanah criticized the growing trend of journalists prioritizing political alliances and financial gains over serving the public.
Both media personalities called for a “reset” in the journalism sector, encouraging their colleagues to refocus on their fundamental role: serving the people. They stressed that journalism should be a vehicle for accountability, transparency, and the empowerment of society, rather than a means to achieve personal wealth or political influence.
Anderson copper, Wolf and hundreds of journalists in the USA are millionaires. Journalists need money so that they can’t become beggars and puppets to politicians. Sierra Leonean journalists are amongst the poorest on planet earth. Umaru and DJ Base should advocate for better condition of service to practicing journalists just like what BBC radio is doing for him.
Thanks for usual cooperation and understanding as always.