Nigerian Editors resolve to forge stronger collaboration to tackle fake news, disinformation

Media Editors have resolved to forge greater collaboration in renewed efforts to tackle fake news, disinformation, and misinformation in society, which was one of the key outcomes that emerged after a one-day workshop in Lagos.

Penpushing reports that the workshop was organised by the European Union, (EU) in partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE), with the theme: Enhancing fact-checking skills for Editors and Media Executives.

The Editors further agreed to set up a fact-checking desk in their various newsroom to tackle the menace of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation fast eroding public trust in institutions, including the media.

Penpushing also reports that it was further resolved that the Guild of Editors should set up disinformation counter groups across its Zonal structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The participants after discussing the usage of the social media in spreading fake news and misinformation urged media organisations to give critical consideration to the quality and experience of their Online Editors to ensure that experienced and well-grounded journalists man the position.

Penpushing further reports that they also said the Guild should expand its disinformation counter efforts to bigger platforms to address issues relating to fake news and the intentional and unintentional spread of misinformation.

The workshop, which featured practical exposure to skills in fact-checking, had the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot who indicated that a multi-pronged approach was being taken to address the threats posed by misleading information, which he described as a “danger to democracy and public trust.”

“We recognise the critical role of Editors as the last line in the gatekeeping process. The editor is ultimately responsible for what is pushed into the public space as content”, Mignot stated

Penpushing reports that the European Union (EU) Ambassador spoke of the danger the spread of misleading information, whether unintentional or intentional, posed to democratic governance and public trust.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) President, Mr. Eze Anaba said newsroom managers required the skills and tools for fact-checking to arrest the spread of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, saying the workshop is “timely and critical.”

Penpushing further reports that Anaba noted that the workshop was to help media managers tame those elements bent on thwarting the effective gatekeeping of Editors from within and outside the newsroom.

The European Union (EU)/Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) workshop for editors had two resources person: Three topics were treated at the program by Mr. Azu Isiekwene, Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, LEADERSHIP Newspapers and Dr. David Ajikobi, Executive Director, Africa Check.

Penpushing also reports that the resource persons treated such topics as: “Principles of Fact-Checking: Understanding the Role of Editors in Fact-checking And the Principles of Accuracy, Fairness, and Transparency;” Identifying Misinformation and Disinformation: Analyzing Examples of Misinformation, Disinformation and Fake News” and “Fact-Checking Tools and Resources: Overview of Fact-checking Tools; Analyzing Complex Fact-checking Scenarios.”

The training highlighted the dangers of misinformation and disinformation in today’s digital age, and it identified the impact of misinformation as damaging the credibility of media organizations, distortion of reality, and threat to democracy.

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