Opening A Journalism Class On The Issue Of People’s Identities

Issues involving certain people in society are treated with prominence in the media because of the “STANDING” of those individuals in the society. This is so because one of the “ELEMENTS” in news gathering is “PROMINENCE”.

Issues involving certain people in society are treated with prominence in the media because of the “STANDING” of those individuals in the society. This is so because one of the “ELEMENTS” in news gathering is “PROMINENCE”.

That is, people who are prominent in any given society get more treatment and attention from the media than those who are not prominent. Noticeably, this usually comes about based on the constant reporting of people and institutions involved in certain activities.

As a result, it is said that a special status has been conferred upon them, which is known as “STATUS CONFERRAL.” Sadly to note, sometimes people unknowingly accuse the media of focusing only on certain people in society.

Journalists would always chase the newsmakers, a situation which can be likened to an animal chasing its prey for survival.

Equally so, we are told in Social Science on the issue of STATUS that it comes in two forms-Achieved Status and Ascribed Status.

The achieved status is a situation involving the person who got the status because of certain activities or positions such as government officials, athletes, while the ascribed status refers to those who get prominent, such as the children, relatives or family of someone with an achieved status.

This is why it is advisedly said that individuals in this category, should always be careful of their doings and activities in society because the media would also focus on them because of the status of their relative, father or mother.

A present example worldwide is that of the son of the Queen of England who has ascribed status. The media is on his back because it is said that he was involved in certain activities incompatible with his status, as son of the Royal Family, who has achieved status.

I brought the issues of prominence and status because they are crucial to journalists in reporting stories about people. But my concern primarily has to do with the way and manner some people or newsmakers, with two of three titles who are involved in certain activities are identified.

Let me relate this to what is obtaining in the ruling CDC with some executive members, including its Chairman Mulbah Morlu, and some stalwarts, including Madam Jamima Wolokollie, who is also Deputy Minister of Commerce.

I see as inappropriate the way and manner in which madam Wolokollie is being idenfitied in this situation as ”Deputy Commerce Minister.”

Yes, there is no argument that she holds this position. But in what is obtaining, it would be appropriate to identify her with her title in the party because it is a “PARTY AFFAIRS,” and therefore should be treated in such manner and form, as it relates to her title or status in the party.

In this regard, Madam Wolokollie should have been referred to or identified based on her position in the party. Conversely, if she holds there is no position, one could say, “a stalwart of the CDC, Madam Jamima Wolokollie.”

Even though there is no link with her position as Deputy Minister on the issue of the “CDC LOAN SCHEME, “one could still further identify her in such manner as Deputy Minister, not in the “lead,” but preceding paragraph. The “LEAD” is a JARGON in journalism which refers to the first paragraph of a news story; it is the most important part of a straight news story.

Likewise, it is said that in the aspect of identifying people appropriately, there is something referred to as “further identification” by making reference to other titles or positions. So in this case, there was nothing wrong ethically if in the proceeding paragraphs one uses an appositive, like, “Madam Wolokollie, who is also Deputy Commerce Minister….”and then go on with the story.

Recently, when I attended the PTA meeting at the B.W. Harris High School in Monrovia I saw a brand new basketball court and was told that President Weah is to shortly dedicate the basketball court. If this would take place, the most appropriate title would be, ”The Chief Patron of Sports.”

Also, recently I saw through the media the President at the basketball court at the YMCA. There, he was there as Chief Patron of Sports.

Moreover, if the President went to the headquarters of the ruling CDC, he is there as Standard Bearer of the party. The party is now in disarray because of a loan scheme, and if the President decides to intervene, this would be because of his title as Standard Bearer of the party.

Another good example is during Armed Forces Day every February; the President goes there as “Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).” That is the appropriate title for the event, and no other title.

But let it be clear that the President is always President. This is why the President carries capital ”P” and not small “p.” But when he is involved in certain activities, the appropriate title must be used.

The title of President is consanguineously ingrained in him and that he carries it with him everywhere he goes, but the occasion would determine the appropriate and suitable title to be used.

Furthermore, other examples would be that of the leaders of the Capitol Building.

If the Speaker, Bhofal Chambers goes to his District in Maryland to meet his constituents, he is there as their Representative.

Similarly, if the Pro-temp, Albert Chie goes to Grand Kru to meet his constituents, he is there as Senator. Notwithstanding, when they are invited based on their titles for some engagements, nothing is wrong with identifying them by their titles at the Capitol Building.

This issue of appropriate titles is not a controversial political issue, but is necessary for upcoming journalists. Sometimes it is good to leave the political issues that usually dominate platforms, to concentrate on other issues, like I am doing today for education.

Let me also say that title goes with responsibility of what one would say. Sometimes people use “DISCLAIMER” as a cover up to suggest the issue of “personal view.” When one holds certain position or carries certain title, disclaimer cannot be a defense for any embarrassing or irresponsible comments, statements or utterances on issue.
Again, let’s match people or newsmakers with their appropriate titles based on the events or situation.

I Rest My Case.

NB: Atty Wesseh holds a BA degree in Mass Communication (Honors) from the University of Liberia. He has been in the communication business for nearly 40 years. He once served as part time instructor in the Mass Communication Department at the University of Liberia. Presently, he is part time instructor in the department of Mass Communication at the United Methodist University.