Avle urges young journalists to prioritise truth over fame at NGIJ Fellowship closing

The General Manager of Citi FM/Channel One TV, Bernard Koku Avle, has called on journalists to prioritise truth and accuracy over personal recognition, warning that the credibility of the profession depends on rigorous verification.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 7th Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa on Friday, 27 March, Avle stressed that journalism’s core mandate remains unchanged despite shifts in the media landscape.

“Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth. Your job is to put out the best verifiable version of the truth. This means that journalism is a discipline of verification. Journalism is not a platform to be famous,” he told participants.

He cautioned fellows against the growing temptation to pursue visibility and popularity at the expense of accuracy, noting that such practices undermine public trust in the media.

“As a journalist, your obligation is to the truth and your loyalty is to the citizens,” he added, underscoring the profession’s public service role.

Avle also challenged young reporters to reflect on their credibility within their own circles, arguing that trust is a key measure of journalistic integrity.

“If something happens, and within your circle of acquaintances, nobody asks you if it is true, and yet you call yourself a journalist, then it means you are not doing your job well,” he said.

Highlighting the evolving media environment, the veteran broadcaster acknowledged that technological changes and the rise of digital platforms have intensified competition.

“The economics of information has changed what media really is. You are now in competition with bloggers and content creators,” he noted.

Despite these shifts, he maintained that the fundamental principles of journalism remain intact.

“Though a lot of things have changed in journalism, some things have not changed—and one is the sacredness of truth. The desire for truth is primal. It doesn’t go away. There will never not be a need for a credible journalist,” he said.

The NGIJ Fellowship, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa, aims to equip young journalists with investigative skills to strengthen accountability and promote public interest journalism across the region.