By Andrew Batilo Francis and Francis Conteh

The battle for ethical journalism in Sierra Leone took centre stage on Monday, December 15, 2025, when renowned media scholar and former Information Minister, Dr. Julius Spencer, delivered a stirring guest lecture to Mass Communication students at the Fourah Bay College (FBC).

Hosted at the Tunde Cole Building, the lecture brought together B.A. Year 3 students eager to grapple with one of the most pressing challenges confronting modern journalism: the use of subjective language in news reporting.

Dr. Spencer, widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s brightest intellectuals and most respected media practitioners, did not mince words. From the outset, he drew a clear line between subjective language, which he described as reporting “clouded by personal opinions, emotions or interests,” and objective language, which he said must always be “balanced, factual and verifiable.”

Introduced by Mr. Joseph Lamin Kamara, lecturer and master of the Use of English module, Dr. Spencer’s rich professional background was outlined, spanning decades of media practice, public service, and academic excellence. But it was the substance of his message that truly resonated.

Anchoring his lecture on the four core ethics of journalism: objectivity, accuracy, fairness and impartiality, Dr. Spencer warned that these principles are increasingly under threat. He identified political polarization, commercial pressure, ownership influence and personal bias as major drivers pushing journalists toward subjective reporting.

With practical newsroom examples, he highlighted common manifestations of subjectivity, including emotionally loaded headlines, assumptive language, sensational and alarmist reporting, personal attacks, name-calling, and one-sided framing of issues. According to him, such practices may attract attention in the short term but come at a heavy cost.

“The consequences are grave,” Dr. Spencer cautioned. “Subjective language erodes public trust, fuels division and hate, misleads citizens, and ultimately weakens democratic processes.”

Yet, his lecture was not merely a critique, it was a call to reform. He urged aspiring journalists and communicators to consciously choose objectivity, verify facts rigorously, present multiple perspectives, and separate opinion from news. For Dr. Spencer, objective language is not just a professional standard; it is a democratic responsibility.

“Responsible journalism builds trust and strengthens democracy,” he emphasized, adding that while subjective language remains a challenge, it also presents an opportunity for journalists to raise standards and reclaim credibility.

As he wrapped up, Dr. Spencer reminded students of journalism’s enduring mission: to inform, educate and entertain. Passion, he said, is essential, but integrity is non-negotiable.

Then came the moment that drew a hush across the lecture hall and left a lasting imprint on the students. “Do not allow yourselves to be bought,” he charged, issuing a firm call to action against corruption, inducement and compromise in the media profession.

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which Dr. Spencer shared personal reflections from his extensive media and public life, offering students rare insights into the realities and pressures of the profession.

For many in attendance, the lecture was more than an academic exercise, it was a moral awakening. In an era of misinformation and influence peddling, Dr. Julius Spencer’s message was clear: the future of journalism in Sierra Leone depends on the courage of young journalists to stand for truth, even when it comes at a cost.

The lecture, held on the Fourah Bay College (FBC) campus, attracted attention from students, lecturers, and media practitioner, with coverage from SLBC, SLIK TV, Expo Salone, and Salone Messenger, which emphasis importance of the discussion to Sierra Leone’s media space.Based on his experience in journalism and public service, Dr. Spencer emphasized the dangers of personalization in news reporting, which he explained has undermined the news culture in the country negatively. He explained that when news reporters allow their personal views, political affiliations, or emotions into news, the public ends up losing trust in them.

As he said, “The first job of a journalist is a simple but tough one: tell it like it is and let the audience decides.”He emphasized that every story must be accurate, objective, and balanced, regardless of pressure from political actors, employers, or financial interests.

Dr. Spencer also challenged young journalists to think beyond short-term financial gains. He urged them to focus on building careers that can stand on global standards so they could be recognized globally, rather than chasing quick money through sensational or compromised reporting.In a reflective moment, he shared personal experiences from his time in public office, including the difficult task of separating government influence from media operations. He recounted how, at one point, he had to request the British High Commissioner to formally warn that international funding for the media sector could be withdrawn if the government does not make sure Radio Democracy operates as a truly independent media institution. He further narrates about the struggles around establishing the Independent Media Commission (IMC), which by the he was serving as the minister of information the former president Tejan Kabba.The lecture ended on a sober but inspiring note. Addressing the students directly, Dr.Spencer reminded them that journalism is not a casual profession but a calling that demands conviction and integrity.

“If you are passionate about practicing journalism,” he said, “you are entering a field where passion is highly required. Do what is right. Do not allow yourself to be bought.”

Many students in attendance, see the lecture not only as an academic discussion but also an opportunity to be reminded of the ethical weight that comes with holding a pen, a microphone, or a camera in society.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 17th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)