Media Rights Agenda (MRA) will hold a series of workshops across the country from August 6, 2024 to sensitize journalists about laws and regulations affecting the media in Nigeria.
The workshops according to a statement by its Programme Officer, Mr. Timileyin Adams would equip journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape governing media operations in order to enhance their capacity to report ethically, freely and safely.
The first of the workshops, for journalists based in the south western states, will take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on August 6 and 7, 2024, while two other workshops will be held subsequently in Owerri, Imo State, for journalists in the South East and South South; and in Abuja, for journalists from the northern part of the country.
Adams explained that the workshops are informed by the need to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools necessary to enable them to navigate media laws and regulations confidently, competently and safely.
“The legal landscape in Nigeria presents a complex web of laws and regulations affecting the media, some of which are misused from time to time by governments and other powerful members of the society to impede the work of journalists and the media.
“These workshops represent a significant step towards empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills they require to navigate the complexities of these laws and regulations as well as to enjoy the benefits of relevant regional and international instruments,” he said.
According to Adams, each of the workshops, which will span a period of two days, will cover a range of topics and issues crucial to journalism practice, including national, regional and international frameworks on freedom of expression, media freedom and the safety of journalists and legal frameworks that are inimical to media freedom in Nigeria.
Other topics are digital security and common digital threats to journalism practice; ethics in journalism practice in Nigeria; beneficial legal frameworks for journalists and the media in Nigeria; how to avoid legal liabilities as a journalist; how to protect information, systems, confidential sources and contacts; and avenues for journalists to obtain legal and litigation support.
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