Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-01 11:36:23
The International Sports Press Association has expressed their disapproval of the behavior of journalists at the Africa Cup of Nations. They have condemned the incidents of fighting and excessive celebration in the stands, calling it “deplorable” and stating that such behavior is unworthy of the noble profession of journalism.
In a statement released on Wednesday, AIPS emphasized the importance of journalists behaving properly and exercising restraint. They highlighted the fact that many accredited reporters covering the tournament have been seen wearing their national team jerseys and loudly supporting their teams during games, even celebrating goals and victories in an unprofessional manner. One instance that caught the attention of the association was a video of an Ivorian journalist with press credentials dancing shirtless after the team’s win on penalties over Senegal.
Furthermore, AIPS also addressed the frequent arguments and chaos among the media rushing to get on buses to and from games. The disorganized and frequently changing schedules have caused tension among journalists, leading to heated disputes. There have also been reports of arguments between journalists from different nations before their teams’ matches, such as between Guinean and Senegalese journalists, as well as between Moroccan and South African media representatives during their teams’ match.
The association described the behavior of certain colleagues as a “distressing spectacle” and expressed their concern over the transformation of media workspaces, such as the press gallery, mixed zone, and conference room, into scenes of conflict and chaos. They stated that these spaces have been turned into a “boxing ring” or even “simply transformed into a dancefloor or performance zone hosted by media badge holders.”
AIPS called on national member associations to focus on the training and capacity building of journalists when it comes to their coverage of sporting events. They emphasized the need for journalists to conduct themselves professionally and to prioritize the ethical standards of their profession, especially when covering high-profile tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
The association’s statement serves as a reminder to journalists about the importance of upholding professional standards and ethics in their work, particularly in the context of sports journalism. It also underscores the responsibilities of national member associations in providing the necessary training and support for journalists to ensure that their conduct aligns with the principles of journalistic integrity.
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