Accra, Dec. 9, GNA - The Africa Media and Democracy Institute (AMDMCI) would organise a two-day workshop on crime reportage for Ghanaian media practitioners and stakeholders in Accra, from February 2-3, next year. Topics to be discussed would include: "Defining the Public Interest and the Need to inform", "The Legal Standpoint", Journalistic Standards and Crime Reportage" and "Effective Crime Reportage".

A statement issued in Accra on Thursday said the workshop to address key aspects of crime reportage is designed for media practitioners and stakeholders in the media and security services. Barima Adu-Asamoa, Director of AMDMCI, said the media could play a crucial role in improving public awareness of crime and the criminal justice system in the effort to enhance sustainable democracy and national security for development.

"This requires high standards of professionalism by media practitioners, as well as co-operation between the Police and civil society". "Recent developments suggest that efforts must continuously be made to achieve high professional standards by all stakeholders in relation to crime reportage, as this impact on societal perception of crime and sense of security", he said.

It would focus on practical journalistic skills and professionalism in crime reportage to meet the challenges from covering crime incidents for broadcast and print media in the context of national interest, security and public education. 9 Dec. 10