Journalists told to acquire digital skills
Story from Rabi’atu, Lokoja
Journalists have been urged to step up professionalism for the efficient dissemination of information.
A member of the board of Daily Trust Foundation, Chief Ishaq Ajibola, stated this at the ongoing Multimedia and Investigative Journalism Training for Journalists in the North-central region at Riverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Chief Ajibola said the Daily Trust Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Media Trust Limited that is responsible for the capacity building of, not only journalists but also those in operations and management.
Chief Ajibola said deepening knowledge on digital skills at a time when the media is experiencing trust deficit as the most news item on the social media is approached with doubt was essential.
He explained that whatever was published by the media before the advent of social media was considered as truth that consumers can rely on, adding that the coming of social media has changed all that.
He appreciated MacArthur Foundation for funding the training.
“The organization provided the funding for this training, and the only way we can ensure that the investment is not wasted is by paying attention to the facilitators, and putting into practice what you will learn in these three days,” Chief Ajibola said.
Chief Ajibola urged participants to use skills acquired in the training to reverse consumers perceptions of the media.
“You can change minds if you deliberately and responsibly use the skills to distinguish your media, whether legacy or emerging, in a manner that whatever is published on your platform is reliable and credible,” he added.
A facilitator, Doctor Theophilus Dabar charged Journalists to investigate data-driven stories and avoid misinformation.
Doctor Dabar urged them to upgrade their skills and work on human angle stories that will interest the public.
