The Upper East Regional Journalist of the Year 2024, Castro Senyalah, has described journalism as a calling rather than a pursuit driven by financial rewards. Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, the multiple award-winning journalist shared insights into the motivations, challenges, and evolving dynamics of the profession in the modern media landscape.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Senyalah said his passion for journalism was rooted in his long-standing desire to become a security journalist. According to him, the drive to tell stories that matter, especially those that bring attention to people in distress or neglected situations, keeps him committed to his work despite the dangers involved. He noted that some stories demand to be told regardless of the risks, as they have the power to influence change and hold authorities accountable.
“This, among other reasons, are what keep me going despite the fact that I am in a very dangerous beat that someone would have sat somewhere and said ‘oh Castro, just let it be and also go the way that some of your colleagues are doing.’ But I see it as a calling and I’ll continue to do that.”
Senyalah revealed that his work often attracts backlash, including social media attacks and direct threats from individuals displeased with his reporting. He explained that he regularly receives threatening messages in his inbox, which are sometimes deleted later by the senders after realizing the inappropriateness of their actions.
He acknowledged that the rise of new media has transformed journalism significantly, making it more fast-paced and competitive. With the proliferation of smartphones and the growing dominance of social media, he said journalists must stay alert and proactive to avoid being overtaken by citizen reporters. “Social media, new media, has changed journalism to the extent that if you are not a journalist who is constantly on your feet, you will have issues with your people, especially with breaking events. Right now the proliferation of smartphones, you know, just take something and it’s gone.”
Despite these challenges, Senyalah expressed confidence in the abilities of the new generation of journalists in the Upper East Region. He praised their dedication and creativity but lamented the lack of strong institutional support and logistical resources, which he believes hinder journalists in the region from reaching their full potential.
He shared an example from other parts of the country, where private individuals occasionally support journalists who demonstrate commitment to their work, a gesture he said is rare in the Upper East Region.
“In Kumasi, I have a colleague who just got a pick-up, because one wealthy man feels that the colleague is doing well, and he needs to be supported. He just called him one day, and he came, and he said, ‘no, this is nothing like a bribe or whatever it is, nothing, I’m nobody. It’s just that I am someone who is a businessman, and I have no interest whatsoever. I just feel that you are doing so well, so I want to support you with this pick-up’,” he shared.
However, Senyalah encouraged his colleagues, particularly young journalists, to remain humble and committed to learning. He emphasized that humility, curiosity, and a willingness to grow are essential values for anyone seeking to thrive in the journalism profession.
“For me, I would say be humble and be ready to learn. If you are a journalist listening to me right now, be it my colleague or my junior colleague, I think we are all colleagues, be very humble, ask for humility, and be very humble. Be ready to learn.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
