Commissioner Urges Media Practitioners to Uphold Ethical Journalism
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, has urged media practitioners to embrace objective and critical assessments of government policies and programmes, rather than resorting to criticisms steeped in propaganda and half-truths.
Dr Osuoza made this appeal on Tuesday during a media training session organised by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) at the conference room of the state’s Ministry of Information.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Theresa Aliko, Dr Osuoza encouraged members of the forum to offer state officials the opportunity to contribute to reports concerning government activities and policies. He commended the forum for effectively informing Deltans and the wider global audience about the initiatives of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
“The government of Sheriff Oborevwori values ethical journalism that adheres to global best practices, not the shortcut approach of ‘cut-and-paste’ journalism, which often employs artificial intelligence in ways that encourage unethical behaviour,” Dr Osuoza noted.
The commissioner lauded the theme of the training session, “SEO, AI, and Security in Online News Publishing: A Swiss Knife for Online Publishers,” describing it as timely and relevant in light of the evolving trends and complexities within the digital journalism landscape. He highlighted the importance of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and artificial intelligence tools in crafting content that is both clear and engaging, ensuring seamless communication with audiences.
However, Dr Osuoza expressed concerns over the growing menace of libellous and intentionally misleading publications, as well as the troubling trend of online platforms being used to blackmail and defame individuals.
“It is disheartening that some online publishers manipulate narratives to pressure their readers into accepting baseless allegations as established facts,” he lamented. “Ethical journalism demands objectivity and factual reporting, standing as a bulwark against these unwholesome practices. It is incumbent on professional journalists to uphold these principles and preserve the integrity of the profession as envisioned by its pioneers.”
Dr Osuoza urged the leadership of DOPF to implement measures to sanction members who engage in unprofessional practices, including sensationalism, propaganda, and yellow journalism.
The session featured an in-depth workshop on the effective use of SEO and AI tools to enhance content clarity and boost global visibility. It was facilitated by Dr Monday Ashibogwu, a respected publisher of Quick News Africa, based in Lagos.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in Delta State.
