The Founder of Class Media Group, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has said trust, rather than technology or equipment, remains the most important asset of any media organisation as the group launched its new television station, Accra TV.
Speaking at the launch, Alhaji Agongo said beyond the excitement of a new station, the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on trust as the foundation of every successful relationship, from the family to the community and society at large.
“Trust is what allows citizens to believe in leaders, employees to believe in employers, businesses to believe in customers, and communities to believe in one another,” he said.
He however observed that trust had come under extreme strain in recent times, both in Ghana and across the world, with citizens questioning the motives of leaders, leaders doubting the faith of citizens, and employers and employees worrying about loyalty and fairness.
According to him, the challenge of the present age is not a lack of information but the difficulty of determining what is credible, transparent and true.Alhaji Agongo said it is in this context that the media plays a critical role as a bridge between institutions and the people, and between facts and public understanding.
He cautioned, however, that the bridge can only stand if it is built on trust.
“Trust cannot be demanded. Indeed, trust gotten through demands is unsustainable. Rather, it must be earned,” he stated.
He explained that trust is earned through accuracy, fairness, consistency and accountability, as well as by verifying before publishing, informing rather than inflaming, and having the courage to correct errors when they occur.
The Class Media Group Founder said the group’s most valuable asset has never been its studios, cameras or transmitters, but its credibility, adding that the same would hold true for Accra TV, which is joining the group.
Drawing on his experience as a businessman who has seen almost all the cycles of life and entrepreneurship, Alhaji Agongo said the real test of trust is not what is done when things are easy, but what is done when transparency is difficult.
He reassured stakeholders, particularly audiences and viewers, that Accra TV is committed to being a trusted platform for facts, dialogue and accountability, one that listens, informs and serves.
“When trust grows, societies prosper, businesses succeed, and democracy flourishes,” he added.
Alhaji Agongo also thanked the staff and audience of Class Media Group, whose love, hard work, dedication and belief, he said, had sustained the group through good and bad times, from turbulent to calm waters.
He thanked the gathering for believing in the group’s vision and called on all to work together to build a culture of trust.