Prioritise accuracy over speed, resist pressures to compromise professional credibility – NUJ urges journalists

Journalists in the country have been urged to prioritise accuracy over speed and resist pressures that could compromise professional credibility and ethical standards.

In a communique issued at the end of the intervention training for journalists on reporting in the era and fake news organised by the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, also urged media practitioners to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting approaches, avoid sensational headlines and respect the dignity, privacy and rights of victims of violence and insecurity.

Participants also called for continuous professional development, training and media literacy programmes should be encouraged to equip journalists with the skills required to identify and combat fake news and misinformation.

According to the communique, greater collaboration should be fostered between journalists, media organisations and security agencies to facilitate timely access to accurate information and improve public communication during crises.

Themed: Reporting in the Era of Insecurity and Fake News” at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, “Journalists should make responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while remaining vigilant against their misuse in the creation and dissemination of false information.

” The Cybercrime Act and other relevant laws should be applied in a manner that combats misinformation without undermining press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.

“Media organisations should actively counter misinformation by publishing verified and accurate reports promptly whenever false narratives emerge.

“Strict enforcement of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code (NBC) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Code of Ethics to deter the spread of fake news and misinformation, promote accountability, and uphold professionalism and integrity in media practice”.

The stakeholders and participants reaffirmed the need for media practitioners to be committed to ethical journalism, responsible reporting, accountability and the defence of truth in the public interest.

They also stressed the need to work collectively and adopt the ethical gatekeeping process to curb fake news and misinformation, strengthen public trust in the media, and contribute to peace, security, and national development.

Discussants urged journalists and media organizations to adhere strictly to the principles of accuracy, verification, and responsible journalism in reporting sensitive security matters.

The training was convened to address the growing challenge of fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and unethical media practices in Nigeria.