Speakers at the 2023 Amplify In-depth Media Conference and Awards, in Abuja, on Friday 8 December charged the media to be objective and factual in their reportage. They made the call while speaking at a session titled, “Media Regulation and Independence: Where is the Balance?”
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre, described media professionals as the watch dog of society, insisting that they must be objective and factual in their reportage. He said media Independence is the way to go as most of the sanctions on media houses by the National Broadcasting Commission violate press freedom.
Franca Aiyetan, Director of Broadcast Monitoring, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), argued that the commission does not only sanction, but also write to media organisations to bring down offensive messages or posts on the social media. She urged the broadcast media in Nigeria to operate within the NBC regulations. “
Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), represented by the council’s Assistant Director, Victor Aladu, noted that the council would ensure the media organisations in Nigeria promote standards and objectivity.
“Member of the public are entitled to lodge a complaint to the Nigerian Press Council about journalists on publications that are factually incorrect or conduct that violates the code of ethics,” he stated.
Bukola Omotosho from National Commission for UNESCO, Nigeria urged media professional to always strike a balance in line with media regulation in the country. According to her, democracy cannot thrive without media independence, freedom of expression in view of global standards.
Director of Northern Operations, Radio Services, Raypower, Mrs Ogee Onazi said Ownership influence is affecting media operation in the country. She called on journalists to verify their sources before publication, saying every story should be factual and balanced. On the issue of regulating the digital platforms, Aiyetan advocated synergy with NBC, and also reporting erring advertising agencies owing media houses. “We are working on reviewing digital platforms in conformity with the NBC Code,” she said.
