Operate within the ethics and laws of your profession – Waiya urges journalists

 By Bosede Olufunmi

Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) has stressed the need for journalists to operate within the ethics and laws of their profession.

Waiya, spoke at a training organised for reporters on professionalism in journalism through knowledge base reportage in Kano, on Thursday.

He noted that journalism profession demands accuracy, fairness and editorial independence among others.

He reminded the participants that media houses are currently in a competitive world, hence it’s high time to understand as professionals, to capture the right word when reporting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised in collaboration with Brown Pegion Resources with the support of CDE.

The theme of the training was entitled: “Promoting ethics and professionalism in journalism through knowledge based reportage.”

Waiya, urged reporters to acquire more knowledge and skills, also advised them to go into research and in depth reportage with innovation and creativity when sharing ideas.

“As you write locally, think internationally to be better than other reporters, remain truthful and avoid any report that will cause confusion in the society.

“As media professionals, you have to always be circumspect in your reportage and most importantly, on any investigative reporting because people are always looking up to you to feed them with daily happenings in our environment.

“And at this point, what you dish out has to be accurate and factual,”he said.

The CDE executive director, emphasised the need for media professionals to always operate within media laws.

He noted that such laws do not seek to limit their operations, but help to regulate their acts within a legal framework.

“Let me urge you to respect the privacy of members of the society and uphold confidentiality when dealing with classified information that are not against public interest.

Dr Bala Muhammad, a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, urged participants to always verify the sources of their information and as well help members of the public verify news contents in all aspects.

“Newsmen must seek to develop themselves and be up-to-date in the areas of using digital verifying tools to curb misinformation in any form and be masters in all areas and sectors of the economy.

The training was attended by reporters, and leaders and veterans in the media industry in the state and beyond. (NAN)