NITDA cautions journalists on ethics, digital reporting
Story from Dahiru SULEIMAN, Dutse
The National Information Technology and Development Agency (NITDA) has organised a one day workshop on digital journalism, media ethics and fact-checking on practising journalists and social media influencers at Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
In her remarks, Hadiza Umar, the Head of ICT and Communications in NITDA said the essence was to enlighten the journalists on the importance of application of the code of ethics of the journalism profession in their day to day activities.
“Our mission was to update our practising journalists on the concept of modern practices in line with the global trend of digitalizing journalism profession to conform to the present time challenges, as well as to indulge themselves from fake news or any unhealthy developments which could be inimical to the code of journalism.”
In his presentation, the former Managing Director of Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi Guri, charged media practitioners in Nigeria on professionalism and high ethical standard in the discharge of their duties as the fourth estate of the realm.
He noted that the evolution of digital media and related technologies pose a significant threat to journalists and analogue media managers, hence, the need to mainstream digital technologies in serving the public better as the watchdogs of society.
According to him, for journalists to maintain professional relevance in today’s digital world, they must possess digital skills related to media and communication.
“For the media in Nigeria to improve its capacity, relevance, and quality of service in line with rising global expectations, it must uphold the principle of employing journalists with high literacy, well-travelled as well as an expert in communication technologies.
“The reality is that this is not the era of analogue journalists or analogue media managers. This is the time for participatory and people-centred journalism, carried out in digitized environment by digitized media professionals and supported by modern management who thinks digitally”.
The media guru explained further that journalists should always ensure adherence to the professional code of ethics in the discharge of their duties.
“News reporting generally requires the journalist to adhere to the ethical code of practice which guides his/her professional conduct and behaviour as well as the laws governing the practice.
“Where such considerations are poorly handled by the journalist, it is likely to aggravate the violent situation rather than mediate”, he added.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of papers and certificates to media professionals and social media handlers.
Some journalists that were present commended NITDA for organising the workshop, describing it as timely, educative and interesting.
