Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA) on Thursday February 16th 2023 held an Independent media summit in Awka, the Anambra state capital
ANN reports that the summit which was themed: “Role of media in countering political intolerance, electoral violence and fake news” had media executives, stackholders and journalists in attendance
Convener Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA) Dr. Chuma-odili Harris FCMsp in his address stated that the summit is towards sustaining Journalists in Anambra state on the role of media in countering political intolerance electoral violence and fake news ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“The timing of this summit is crucial and delibrate. In the next couple of days, Nigeria will be having a very crucial general election. And much is at stack which is why it will go down to the history of Nigeria as one of the most keenly contested election. So many issues are being thrown up, bordering on intolerance, propaganda, fake news, thuggery as well as outright violence. Which is why as media people, there’s need for us to play that crucial role of informing the masses about the dangers of this urgly tendencies.
“The essence of this is to ensure that media managers, handlers, influencers and sundry skilled men and women in the digital media value chain, see it as a point of duty to discharge their duties in a way our peace and sanctity are not deflated. We must be on guard to make sure nothing untoward happens to our state and country while sharing information as regards the electoral contests coming in the next couple of days.
Vice President Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) South East zone, Sir. Emma Ifesinachi while addressing participants stated that journalist has a responsibility of safe guilding the conscience of the society. He called on the fourth estate of the realm to promote the unity of the nation through their reportage.
‘If the society stands or collapse, it affacts us all. Everyrthing we reports affects us positively or negatively. You should consider the consiquences of all reports published or broadcasted’ Ifesinachi submitted.
The Nation’s newspaper correspondent, Mr. Elekwa in his submission stated that “A news is fake when it is not verifiable. He encourage reporters to ask critical questions from their sources and as well endeavour to avoid misleading the public.
Mr. Franklin Ebuka of Ogene FM urged journalist to use technology techniques to cross-check reports and that informations should be managed in order not to have nagative impact in the society. He urged practicing journalists to stick to the ethics of the profession.
Mr. Titus Eleweke of the daily trust newspaper said news should be factual and that journalist should not be attached to politicians.
“Be professionals and also be conscious of what you report. Improve in your diction and also be conscious of your choice of words because journalism is meant to promote and protect national unite. Eleweke advised
