Expediency Of Upholding Professionalism In Journalism Amidst Jimmy Carter’s Death Hoax (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

In an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, journalists worldwide face a critical challenge, and maintaining professionalism while combating fake news. Recently, specifically on June 23, 2024, a bizarre rumor circulated online, falsely claiming that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter had passed away. As responsible journalists, we must address this issue head-on and emphasize the importance of ethical reporting.

In fact, not a few media channels, particularly some top media outlets that have pronounced global presence and even some well-meaning journalists fell victim to a fake letter that declared Carter’s demise. The letter, laden with typos and insults, purportedly announced his peaceful passing at home in Georgia. However, the Carter Center swiftly debunked the hoax, reaffirming that the 99-year-old former president remains very much alive.

As gathered from the website of “Check Your Fact”, a website dedicated to fact checking news stories that sound disbelieving stated thus, “The letter is fake, according to the Carter Center. It appears that the original post lists it as a joke. Social media users are posting a letter, claiming that Carter is dead at the age of 99. One user wrote, “Jimmy Carter passed away at 99. Is it just me that thinks this guy died like 10 times already?

“This letter is fake. There has been no official announcement on the Carter Center website nor any announcement on Carter’s verified Facebook account or the Carter Center social media posts.

“There are other indications that the letter is fake. For example, it refers to former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who died recently, as a “baddie” and called former First Lady Nancy Reagan the “throat goat.” It also makes fun of Carter’s foreign policy.

“A Carter Center spokesperson confirmed to Check Your Fact that the letter was fake in an email. The spokesperson said, “This is false. There has been no announcement or change.”

“Check Your Fact found what appears to be the first posting of the fake letter. The account wrote in the alt-description of the image that “Carter is still alive and in hospice care.”

“President Carter is still alive and in hospice care. This was an experiment to see how gullible people are to sensationalist headlines,” reads the text located in the “Alt” button.

“Among the people and outlets who initially spread the false claim were right-wing journalist Laura Loomer, the New York Post, the Daily Signal and Mario Nawfal”.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane in this context to call for professionalism in Journalism, with emphasis on as been practiced globally.

In fact, to achieve professionalism in the course of practicing Journalism by each passing day, there is the need for fact-checking every editorial material before publishing.  The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as it is incumbent on journalists worldwide to always have it at the back of their minds that their duty to verify information rigorously before publication is sacrosanct. Without a doubt, before sharing any news, Journalists must cross-check sources, scrutinize details, and uphold accuracy. In fact, the Jimmy Carter incident underscores the need for due diligence in the profession.

In a similar vein, it is expedient for every Journalist to understand that sensationalism and click-bait may garner attention, but they erode trust. So, let us as Journalists always prioritize responsible reporting over sensational headlines. The reason for the foregoing wakeup call cannot be overemphasize as our readers deserve well-researched and balanced news.

Also, there is the need for Journalists to always uphold ethical standards as it is non-negotiable, even as there is an equal need to avoid personal attacks, even when discussing public figures.  In fact, the fake letter’s insults toward Carter serve as a cautionary tale.

Without a doubt, Jimmy Carter’s resilience in the face of this hoax reminds us of the power of truth. Let us champion professionalism, fact-check relentlessly, and safeguard the integrity of journalism worldwide. Together, we can navigate these murky waters and emerge stronger than ever.

At this juncture, permit this writer to reminisce the fascinating relationship between former President Jimmy Carter and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly as Carter embarked on a historic State Visit to Nigeria in April 1978, reciprocating the visit by then Lt. General Obasanjo to the United States in October 1977. This visit marked the first time an American President had set foot in sub-Saharan Africa, providing Carter with a firsthand glimpse of the continent’s aspirations, achievements, and challenges.

Some of the key points that were taken away from their interactions encompassed shared experiences as both leaders hailed from countries with colonial histories and struggles for independence. In fact, their shared experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Then, Carter recognized Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa and appreciated its efforts in promoting peace and stability across the continent.

During plenary sessions, Carter and Obasanjo discussed bilateral and international issues. They paid particular attention to the situation in Southern Africa, even as they expressed hope for reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas of North-West Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Again, Carter praised Nigeria’s role as Chairman of the OAU Good Offices Commission in seeking peace between Ethiopia and Somalia. In fact, both leaders supported the Anglo-American proposal for Zimbabwe, emphasizing that only a settlement based on its principles could bring lasting peace and racial harmony.

They rejected the arrangements made under the Salisbury Agreement, which failed to guarantee genuine power transfer to the majority or consider the views of all Zimbabwean nationalist groups.

Regarding Namibia, Obasanjo affirmed full support for SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organization) in their struggle for genuine independence, even as Carter emphasized the need for fair elections and equal opportunities for all political groups in Namibia.

It is also reminiscing to understand that the Carters expressed profound appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Obasanjo, the Nigerian government, and the people of Nigeria during their visit.

In summary, Carter and Obasanjo’s interactions reflected a commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation in Africa. Their diplomatic engagement left an enduring legacy, bridging continents and fostering understanding between two nations with shared challenges and aspirations.

To crown it all, while this writer wishes more years for former President Jimmy Carter, it is expedient to urge fellow colleagues to always remember that in the battle against fake news, that our pens are our swords.