Media
THE Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has joined many Nigerians in condemning the proposed fake news and hate speech bills before the National Assembly. The Guild noted that draconian legislations have no place in Nigeria’s democracy.
In a communiqué issued after its 15th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference in Sokoto, the NGE condemned all dictatorial tendencies against the media and stressed the need to collectively fight against all media abuses by non-professionals. It also frowned at all the attempts to punish conventional media for the wrongs of non-professionals on the social media platforms.
The editors called on the federal government to release of all detained journalists across the country. It stated that democracy thrives better in countries that cherish and promote media freedom. The NGE regretted that Nigeria’s dwindling economic fortune has contributed to the distress in the media industry and stressed the need for the government to overhaul its economic architecture in order to reflect the sagging economy and increase the revenue streams of the nation.
The NGE canvassed the need for diversification, improved funding, collaboration, specialised journalism education programmes, newsroom re-engineering among other innovations necessary for revenue generation and sustenance of media businesses. It also emphasised the need for serious capital injection into the media industry to overcome under capitalisation and dearth of media businesses.
The editors identified ownership interference as a key factor militating against free operation of the media. They advised owners of both public and private media organisations to pay more attention to facilitating the smooth operations of the media as truly business outfits. The editors resolved to set up a committee to prepare for the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and come up with a compendium to showcase its activities since inception.
The editors ratified the election of Mustapha Isah, as the substantive president of the Guild, following the appointment of Funke Egbemode as a commissioner in Osun State.
They commended the government of Sokoto State for the rapid growth and acceleration of infrastructure development across the state, as well as the widespread human capital development programmes in the areas of free education, sponsorship of indigent students regardless of their origin as well as initiatives for improved medicare for the people.
– Dec. 2, 2019 @ 12:15 GMT |
Tags: hate speech bills NGE condemns fake news
