Liberian journalist and media development specialist, Mr. George Stewart, has challenged professionals across Africa to uphold ethical standards despite growing pressure, warning that the future of ethical journalism depends not merely on codes of conduct but on individuals of conscience.
Speaking at the recent Journalists for Christ (JFC) monthly fellowship on the theme, “Ethical Journalism in a Time of Pressure: A Charge to Journalists of Faith”, Stewart decried the rising tide of patronage journalism, censorship, and institutional pressure within the media space.
He noted that ethical journalism today faces severe strain because “the pressure is intense, survival is uncertain, and support systems are weak”.
According to him, journalists of faith bear an even greater responsibility.
“As journalists of faith, the pressure is doubled because we have two guiding principles—professional responsibility and spiritual accountability”, he stated.
Ethical Journalism Under Strain
Stewart emphasised that ethical journalism must be rooted in verifiable facts, credible sources, and thoroughly fact-checked documents—not propaganda. He explained that when stories touch political, economic, or religious power structures, journalists often face subtle negotiations and pressure before publication.
“These interruptions play on the conscience before publication and may betray one’s calling and public trust’, he warned, adding that investigative journalists frequently encounter such dilemmas.
He described the defining moment many journalists face: “If I don’t publish, I might lose my job”. Yet, he advised that when the struggle is with conscience not facts—journalists must choose truth.
“If you take the money, you may survive, but at what cost”? he asked.
According to Stewart, ethical journalism is not failing because journalists lack training. Rather, it is heavily challenged by intense pressure, weak institutional backing, and uncertain survival conditions.
Dual Responsibility: Profession and Faith
Reiterating that journalists of faith stand on two pillars—professional responsibility and spiritual accountability he cited Proverbs 4:23, urging practitioners to guard their hearts.
“Courage comes from conviction, not just training”, he said.
He stressed that truth remains journalism’s first obligation.
“Journalism is a truth-telling discipline. It exists because truth matters. Without truth, there is no journalism. The first obligation of journalism is to the truth. Truth is indispensable”.
Referencing Exodus 20:16 and Proverbs 12:23, he maintained that truth is non-negotiable.
“You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve public interest and political interest at the same time”, he cautioned.
He further warned that journalism loses its soul the moment it becomes a tool for power, tribe, religion, or personal gain.
Accountability, Justice, and the African Reality
Stewart stressed that ethical journalism demands accountability, including correcting errors and owning mistakes. Suppressing truth for money, fear, or favour, he said, causes communal damage.
He urged journalists to amplify the voices of the marginalised—not just politicians and elites.
“Journalism that emphasises politicians but ignores market women, rural communities, and victims of abuse may appear professional, but it is not just”, he noted.
Addressing the African media landscape, he acknowledged challenges such as poor remuneration, political ownership of media houses, patronage journalism, censorship, safety risks, and the social media culture that rewards speed over truth.
However, he insisted that ethical journalism requires both individual resolve and institutional reform.
Honouring Christ Through Journalism
Responding to questions during the fellowship, Stewart clarified that honouring Christ in journalism does not mean inserting Bible verses into reports or shielding religious institutions from scrutiny. Rather, it means reflecting Christlike character—loving truth, respecting human dignity, verifying facts, and rejecting falsehood.
On maintaining standards under pressure, he advised journalists to decide their boundaries before pressure arises.
“Pressure is your real test. Decide your boundaries before the pressure comes,” he said.
He encouraged practitioners to determine in advance which stories they would never suppress, regardless of consequences.
“Pressure does not mean you are failing; often it means you are doing something right”.
He also described being “light” in the newsroom as demonstrating honesty, compassion, respect for colleagues, and refusal to engage in gossip or manipulation.
“Journalism does not require perfection, but direction”, he added.
A Call to Consistency
In his closing charge, Stewart urged journalists to consistently choose truth.
“Choosing truth is consistency. Ethical journalism refuses to normalise corruption. It is not dramatic or loud, but faithful and steady—that is how light survives in dark places”.
Reinforcing his central message, he declared:
“Ethical journalism in Africa will not be saved by codes of conduct but by men and women of conscience”.
Quoting John 8:32, he concluded:
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free,” emphasising that the fellowship was not merely for inspiration, but for resolve—to stand firm, tell the truth, and practice journalism that honours both the profession and faith in Jesus Christ.