Media
The International Press Centre, IPC, and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria train journalists to uphold professional ethics in covering 2019 general elections
By Anayo Ezugwu
Ahead of 2019 general elections, Nigerian Journalists have been tasked to uphold professional ethics on covering the elections. Muyiwa Popoola, professor of journalism, Communication and Media Studies, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, said media professionals must adhere to the ethics of the profession at all times.
At a two-day media training organised by the International Press Centre, IPC, and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN, in Oshogbo, Osun State capital, Popoola said law has many enforcers but the only enforcer of ethics is the human conscience. He noted that the level at which journalists adhere to ethics depends on individuals.
According to him, journalists must carry out research and trace the link of any report before publishing to avoid reports that may lead to violence if not properly managed. “This kind of workshop bridges the gap between the classroom and the industry and it is highly commended. Journalists should not just search for scoops but work hard on investigation in order to represent all sides.
“As Journalists, we should not just be searching for scoops, we should research, and we should not be lazy and should look for shadow parties on order to solve political conflicts. Journalists should endeavour to ask the opposing side such questions that may reveal common ground. This could focus on interests shared by opposing parties, maintain balance and be temperate in the use of words,” he said.
On his part, David Ajikobi, Nigeria editor, Africa Check, emphasised the need for responsible journalism ahead of the elections. He said Facebook and Whatsapp would be a serious challenge during the elections. He said the platforms would be used for misinformation and disinformation of facts.
Ajikobi said most election crisis in Nigeria are mainly caused by misinformation and disinformation. He encouraged journalists to fact-check their stories before publishing. He, however, enjoined journalists to get new skills necessary in fact-checking and use such to present correct facts since readers tend to believe what they read from journalists.
“A fact is what can be checked and backed up with evidence. Asking questions is the first step of accountability if we must do the right thing. As journalists, you must be careful not to fall for fake accounts when you are using the social media as news source because your credibility built over the years can vanish when you share false information,” he warned.
In his welcome address, Lanre Arogundade, chairman, IPC, said more than 200 applications were received and of these, only 40 were selected to take part. “This event is organised to critically examine the interconnections between the public, the media and elections towards developing an agenda that seeks to strengthen the role of the media in facilitating a credible electoral process.
“The aim of the meeting also is to bring to the front burner, the prerequisites to hone the skills of journalists in the professional and ethical reportage of democratic processes and elections as well as commit to professional, conflict sensitive, citizen-focused, gender-focused and digital reporting of the 2019 elections,” he said.
Arogundade said the training would help participants to understand and imbibe the principles of fairness, diversity and objectivity in reporting the electoral process.
– Jan. 2, 2019 @ 09:55 GMT |
Tags: Varsity Don urges Nigerian Journalists to be Professional in covering 2019 Elections
