Media practitioners yesterday, October 29, at a media forum highlighted and brainstormed on various constraints impeding investigative journalism in Africa.
The media interaction, facilitated by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) was necessitated by the need to stimulate responsible new media journalism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
The keynote speaker, Inigo Gilmore, an award-winning journalist and other panelists took turns to talk about the importance of sticking to ethics and imbibing professional sense of responsibility in the discharge of media duties.
Femi Ayodele, Associate Editor, Naij.com making his remark at the event.
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The panelists include Adesuwa Onyenokwe, publisher of TW Magazine; Larry Izamoje, founder Brila FM, Bamidele Olowosagba, senior editor, Naij.com, (represented by Femi Ayodele) and Martins Oloja, editor, Guardian newspaper.
Threats to professional reporting and investigative journalism identified at the parley comprises insecurity, lack of financial support and resources, bribery and corruption, threat to life/intimidation, lack of education and training, failure to adhere to laws guiding media practices in the country.
Cross section of participants at the Media Parley held in Lagos State. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi
The panelists though acknowledged that investigative journalism has its risk factors, especially in most African countries where the necessary safety nets for journalists are virtually not in existence, they encouraged journalist not to be deterred by these obvious challenges.
According to them, journalists have the obligation to speak and stand by the truth irrespective of the setbacks and temptation.
As watchdogs of the society, the panelists emphasized it is imperative for journalists to always cross check their facts and do objective reporting rather than being subjective in their analysis and stories.
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With the power of the pen, the panelists maintained that journalist can reshape the society and public opinion most especially as regards important national issues. Thus, championing the course for a better society with their reportages.
Participants lamented at the decline in the standard of reporting and lack of regulation of on-line contents which is far becoming an all comers affair.
They concurred the advent of technology and internet have positioned on-line journalism/new media as the order of the day.Though facilitates quick and efficient dissemination of information and facts, participants agree with the fact that the new media threatens the existence of main stream media.
The media interaction ended with the submission that bloggers, on-line publishers need an umbrella body that would regulate contents/activities of on-line publishers while other main stream media are obliged to join forces to resist any attempt to truncate investigative reporting.
The post Media Practitioners Identify Factors Threatening Investigative Journalism appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.
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