In commemoration of World News Day co-organised by the World Editors Forum and the Canadian Journalism Foundation, Media Career Development Network (MCDN), Nigeria has joined news organisations, media associations, and individuals globally to highlight the importance of fact-based journalism.
In a statement by its Executive Director, Lekan Otufodunrin, the network noted that contrary to the old journalism dictum that facts are sacred, comments are free, and the sources of information offered on many media platforms and channels in the country are questionable and doubtful.
“While most traditional media and professionals are trying hard to abide by the ethics of the profession by ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of their content, large-scale misinformation and disinformation are gradually becoming the order of the day, especially by non-professional journalists who share unverified information,” Otufodunrin stated.
“Since truth should be the cornerstone of journalism practice we urge media audiences to rely on and support trusted news outlets.
“This year’s campaign theme “Choose Truth” is timely as everyone who claims to be a journalist should remain committed to practising fact-based journalism. More than ever before, audiences need fact-based content they can trust to make informed decisions.
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“By the provisions of the revised code of ethics for Nigerian journalists on accuracy and fairness, the public has a right to know and receive reliable information.
“Factual, accurate, balanced, fair, and responsible reporting is the ultimate objective of good journalism and the basis of earning public trust and confidence.”
“As the code further states, “the haste to publish the news first must be matched by the need to get it right. The charge of Fake News is one that a journalist should not crave. A journalist should, therefore, refrain from publishing inaccurate and misleading information. Where such information has been inadvertently published, prompt equitable prominence should be given to the correction made.”
