Nigerian Press Council advises journalists against sensationalism
The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has called on the media to be socially responsible by playing a vital role in nation building, rather than engaging in sensationalism and other unprofessional misconduct.
Penpushing reports that, Executive Secretary of the Council, Francis Nwosu made the call on Wednesday in his welcome speech at the workshop on the role of the media in combating violent extremism and terrorism, held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Press Council in conjuction with Forte and Henz Limited, and had in attendance cerebral resource persons and journalists across the country
Penpushing further reports that, Nwosu pointed out that a section of the media has gone overboard in their reportage by engaging in unethical conducts, noting that this was unfortunate
‘While it is a function of media to inform, and the right of the people to know, Council has observed that a section of the media has gone over-board in their reportage by engaging in sensationalism and other unethical and unprofessional conducts in order to attract more audience and patronage.’, Nwosu said
‘This is unfortunate since the Press, as the fourth estate of the realm, should be socially responsible by playing a vital role in nation-building. This gathering is to sensitize and remind media professionals on the best approach and ways of covering and reporting terrorism and activities of extremists’, he added.
Penpushing also reports that, Nwosu expressed optimism that resource persons at the workshop will do justice to various topics, as the council has assembled some of the bests in the field whose presentations and deliberations will add value to the event.
The Executive Secretary recalled that, the first leg of the workshop was held in Umuahia, Abia state, for journalists in the South – East geopolitical Zone, adding that it showed the premium Council places on capacity building programmes for journalists and media professionals, especially at this time when extremism and terrorism are testing the collective resolve of the nation.
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