“Journalists should be friends to facts and issues as opposed to personalities or politicians. What’s important is accountability.”
This is how Ugandan-born American journalist Shaka Ssali described the responsibility of journalists during a May 12 #YALIChat. The host of the popular program Straight Talk Africa responded to questions from YALI Network members as follow-up to his guest blog post.
The veteran journalist said he was drawn to journalism “because I wanted to advocate for social justice and give a voice to the voiceless.” Journalism also gives him “the opportunity to put people in authority in a position where they are held accountable,” he said.
Here are some other highlights from Ssali’s #YALIChat:
I’m profoundly honored & exceedingly humbled to have the opportunity to interact with @YALInetwork. #YALICHAT pic.twitter.com/iWZ4TJcXj4
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@ndzomoaurelien @YALINetwork You have to do your homework, report news with neither fear, nor favor #YALICHAT
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@ladumdum When Africa can overcome socio-political obstacles & practice journalism that reflects the realities of the Mother continent.
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@Sir_Ruffy To be a good journalist you have to have the passion to be a servant to the truth, because it is a calling not an occupation.
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@dshekuza @YALINetwork Citizen journalism plays an important role in #Africa, even better in tandem with traditional journalism #YALICHAT
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@GenuineRamabote @VOANews If the mistake belongs to the media institution, it should be acknowledged & corrected immediately #YALICHAT
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@tunde_aribisala Where there is no free media internet journalism can be a catalyst. In other cases can play a complementary role #YALICHAT
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@kennedytetteh The role of media in #Africa is to inform, educate, provoke, to expose social injustices & hold people in power accountable.
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
.@GenuineRamabote @YALINetwork I do my job with neither favor, nor fear. #YALICHAT
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
Time is not our best ally. Get better Africa and not bitter. Let’s keep the African hope alive. #YALICHATpic.twitter.com/XsClN2ulEq
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015
On that note, thank you all for following and asking your questions.
— Straight Talk Africa (@VOAShaka) May 12, 2015