By Edet Ikotidem
Journalism is not just about writing news, It is more than that and is about holding the truth above all-got truthfulness and truthfulness above corporate profit or political controversy but not as a Propaganda Machine.
Here, for your information journalists also have to protect their own personal life, reputation, and integrity at the same time.
Journalists use the newspaper, Radio/television, and magazines to control the minds of citizens. Politics, religion, and state affairs are essential to consider when it comes to this subject.
The journalists are not only dedicated to writing what they see with their words but also sell their papers for money and power.
Journalists in Nigeria do not only put their own interests above national interests, they also use their media to spread misinformation, dish dirt on political opponents, and even get rid of those that are perceived as a threat.
Nigerian journalists are known for their partisan reporting; so much so that they have earned the tag “Nigerian journalists who write in opposition to what they see.” The problem is, they are not doing this because they are independent thinkers or because they want to provide citizens with balanced information on election issues. Instead, these journalists use their medium as propaganda machines to promote the interests of opposition parties and politicians at any cost.
Journalists should have known better and have been more circumspect in their reporting, rather than engage in the type of political connivance that is against the ethics of journalism.
Journalists should not be used as tools to advance the political agenda of any party but be known for providing informative reportage to citizens on election issues. They should have known better and have been more circumspect in their reporting, rather than engage in the type of political connivance that is against the ethics of journalism.
Nigerian print media in particular has never enjoyed the reputation of being objective or impartial in its treatment of the country’s electoral process. This is a “defining moment” for Nigeria and it is incumbent on Nigerian journalists to ensure that they are able to play an active role in shaping public opinion ahead of this historic election.
To bring their newspaper to such a low standard of journalism, give it, instead, a patina of partisanship and make it a veritable propaganda tool! This is very unfortunate!
In Nigeria, journalists have been known to take sides in elections and campaigns by using their newspapers as propaganda machines. They are partisans who use their power and platform to make friends with those in authority, who often reward them with plum jobs or positions of influence.
A newspaper does not exist to dish out one-sided information; but rather to provide an avenue for balanced news presentation either through editorial comments or through a wide range of opinions on any issue from diverse sources.
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It is also important that there should be no political bias in the reporting of news because this could encourage public indifference towards issues and events, which are vital for the growth and development of democracy.
This has been a major criticism of the Nigerian print media, in particular, has never enjoyed the reputation of being objective or impartial in its treatment of the country’s electoral process.
For example, there have been instances where newspapers reported on an allegation by one political party against another but failed to provide any evidence supporting it except for quoting other people who said so (which makes no sense if you ask us).
The journalist should have personal integrity and be willing to stick to his position regardless of pressures from fro any quarter.
Nigerian journalists have to review their role and look at it afresh, maybe from a different perspective. At the end of the day, they are public servants who should be able to provide people with accurate information on issues affecting them.
The journalism industry is at a crossroads. The way we approach it as individuals and as a profession is changing. We must no longer accept the definition of what a journalist is or should be. And we need to take charge of this shift in our industry so that it can thrive and make the world a better place.
