The need for professional journalism cannot be as many people view it as a beacon of hope and a pathway to a vibrant democracy. However, some journalists disregard professionalism and truth-telling, replacing them with lies that undermine ethical standards. In the wake of this unorthodoxy, a press freedom fighter and advocate of free speech has seen the need to remind media professionals about their role as journalists.
Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe says journalism is among the noblest callings in a democracy with a simple and sacred duty to inform, educate, and empower. However, Gongloe believes that when journalism is reduced to ‘cash-for-content politics’, it becomes a weapon. “That is mercenary journalism, when a journalist sells a pen or a microphone to the highest bidder, often a politician, to smear opponents or polish failures into virtues. It is not reporting; it is paid propaganda disguised as news.”
Gongloe, also a human rights lawyer, pointed out that a free, independent press shines light in dark places, holds power to account, and equips citizens with the truth they need to govern themselves. “Mercenary journalism is dangerous because it turns lies into headlines and truth into a casualty. It makes bad leaders look good and good leaders look bad. It poisons public debate, undermines fair competition, and weakens already fragile institutions. In a young democracy like Liberia, that is not merely irresponsible, it is destructive,” he posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, September 9.
He stressed that the failure to tell the truth about bad governance paved the road to chaos, through a coup and civil wars that claimed hundreds of thousands of Liberian lives and displaced many more. “When truth is buried, rumor becomes a rallying cry, and violence follows. We have borne the cost of lies,” he said.
The former presidential candidate indicated that Liberia needs journalists of courage, principle, and integrity, men and women who will speak truth to power, not sing praises for pay while the people suffer, adding, “Real journalism verifies, discloses interests, separates fact from opinion, and refuses envelopes and favors. It does not trade the public’s right to know for private gain.”
Providing a remedy to what he calls mercenary journalism, Gongloe calls for zero tolerance for pay-to-publish and that newsrooms must reject cash or gifts for coverage and disclose any sponsored content. “Editors must enforce codes of ethics, fact-checking, and right of reply—every time, for everyone. Liberians should back independent outlets—subscribe, read critically, and reward integrity. No secret media contracts, no hidden payments. Let us reject mercenary journalism. Let us celebrate and support the kind of journalism that strengthens democracy and advances peace, progress, and prosperity,” Gongloe wrote.
