Despite the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General of Police in response to the demand to #ENDSARS, the protest may continue for some days.
There have however been allegations that the mainline media are not reporting the #ENDSARS protests across the country as much as they should.
While this accusation may not be justified considering the various reports and analysis on the protests demanding for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad by the media organizations, we have some suggestions on how to improve on coverage.
1, Regard the protest as a major story which should be given comprehensive coverage with reporters, photographers and cameramen assigned considering widespread agitation.
2, Give the report prominent placement on the various platforms with images and videos that capture the major highlights across the country.
3, Provide staff assigned to cover the protest with needed resources and protection to enable them adequately cover the protests.
4, Crowdsource from participants and eyewitnesses to get more detailed updates on the protest.
5, Follow the major hashtags on the protest and posts on social media to get more insights on the protest.
6, Verify viral claims of killings and arrests to ensure they are true.
7 Provide multimedia reports on all platforms
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8, Interview various leaders of the protest
9, Get government and police responses to some of the developing issues about the protest
10, Note the international dimension of the protest and report both the protests by Nigerians outside the country and responses by organizations and individuals.
11, Provide informed analysis on the issue and timeline of past major complaints against SARS and responses by the authorities.
12, Look out for the various experiences being shared by past victims of indiscriminate arrests by SARS officers.
13, Get SARS officers and men to defend themselves against the various allegations and the inner workings of the squad.
Links to resources and guidelines for covering protests