“Journalism Exists Because Truth Matters,” George Sarwah Stewart Challenges JFC Media Practitioners

Liberian journalist and media development specialist, George Sarwah Stewart, has issued a clarion call to media professionals, urging them to amplify truth and resist mounting pressures that threaten the core of ethical journalism. Speaking at the monthly fellowship of Journalists for Christ (JFC), Stewart declared that journalism cannot survive without an unwavering commitment to truth and conscience.

“Journalism is a truth-telling discipline,” Stewart emphasized. “Without truth, there isn’t journalism. The first obligation of journalism is to the truth. Truth is indispensable.”

The Pressure on Ethical Journalism
Addressing the theme “Biblical and Ethical Journalism,” Stewart argued that ethical journalism is faltering not due to ignorance of professional codes but because of external pressures, including political patronage, economic hardship, and weak institutional support.

“Ethical journalism is heavily challenged because the pressure is intense, survival is uncertain, and support systems are weak,” he explained. Stewart pointed to the rise of patronage journalism and political ownership of media houses as key factors compromising journalistic integrity across Africa.

He described the internal conflict journalists face when confronted with attempts to suppress the truth: “A journalist armed with verified facts, fact-checked documents, and credible sources may still face subtle negotiations from political, economic, or religious actors. In such moments, you wrestle with conscience, not with facts.”

Stewart posed a thought-provoking question to attendees: “If you take the money, you may survive—but at what cost?” He reiterated that the survival of journalism depends on truth, stating, “Truth is not a suggestion. A journalist cannot serve two masters—public interest and political interest.”

The Soul of Journalism
Stewart warned that journalism loses its essence when it becomes a tool for power, tribe, church, or personal gain. He stressed that suppressing truth for money, fear, or favor causes harm beyond the individual journalist—it damages communities.

“When journalists suppress truth, the damage is communal, not just personal,” he said, urging practitioners to prioritize justice over convenience. He called on journalists to defend the rights of the poor and amplify marginalized voices, rather than focusing solely on political elites.

“Journalism that emphasizes politicians but ignores market women, rural communities, and victims of abuse may appear professional, but it is not just,” Stewart remarked.

Faith and Ethical Journalism
Stewart also addressed the intersection of faith and journalism, clarifying that honoring Christ in journalism is not about inserting Bible verses into stories or shielding religious institutions from scrutiny.

“It is about reflecting Christ’s character through journalistic conduct—loving truth, checking facts, refusing lies, and respecting human dignity,” he explained.

He urged journalists to prepare for ethical challenges by setting boundaries ahead of time: “Pressure is your real test. Decide your boundaries before the pressure comes. Decide which stories you will not suppress, despite the cost.”

Stewart also encouraged faith-based journalists to serve as “light” in their newsrooms through integrity, compassion, and courage, even when dissenting during editorial discussions.

Call for Institutional Support
While emphasizing personal responsibility, Stewart acknowledged that ethical journalism cannot rely solely on individual conviction. He called for strengthened institutional support systems to address structural challenges such as low pay, censorship, and the growing influence of social media, which often prioritizes speed over accuracy.

Despite these pressures, Stewart expressed optimism about the future of ethical journalism in Africa. “Ethical journalism in Africa will not be saved by codes of conduct but by men and women of conscience—journalists who believe that truth still matters,” he concluded.

A Call to Action
The fellowship ended with a powerful charge for consistency in choosing truth daily. “This fellowship is not just to inspire, but to resolve to tell the truth, stand firm, and practice ethical journalism that honors the profession and our faith,” Stewart said.

The event left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to ethical journalism in the face of mounting challenges.

---