Accra (Greater Accra), 3rd May ?99 ?

The National Media Commission (NMC) has expressed concern about the multiplicity of television sex, violence and culturally unacceptable advertisements which, it said "are becoming staples".

In a statement issued in Accra to mark World Press Day which falls today Monday,3rd May, the Commission said it hoped the electronic media in particular would exercise greater restraint about these developments.

It urged journalists to strive for quality and balance between fairness and the public's right to know.

The Commission however noted "with fair satisfaction", signs of growing maturity in the media, declining sceptism and an increasing confidence in them.

"While the Commission will continue to depend on the co-operation of all stakeholders, it is also aware of the media's pressing difficulties".

The Commission said it intended to broaden dialogue with consumers, government and the media during the year, to keep each other informed to achieve an independent, reliable and vigorous media.

On the plight of journalists in the world, the Commission said it was pleased with the "apparent gradual fall off in the mistreatment of journalists in the performance of their duties".

However, the statement said, the Commission notes with grief and pain the escalating conflicts in Africa and Europe.

The Commission urged everyone to continue to choose negotiations rather than combat to resolve differences.

It said the loss of lives of journalists justified calls for an international code for the protection of journalists.

"The threshold of the millennium offers the Commission a unique opportunity to expand its international relations in the belief that as the co-operation gains momentum, it will enable us to address issues of common concerns".

The issues, it said, include "how developing news formats and new technologies can best help our mission and ensure that both the Commission and the country's media are effectively serving our economic and cultural goals in the public interest as mandated".