In my capacity as Chairman of Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON), I say happy new year to all our colleagues, mentees, friends and mentors who are in the business of information dissemination whether in the print, electronic or digital media, may 2023 usher in blessings and pleasant surprises for us as we continue to play our constitutional roles in informing, investigating educating and also in entertaining our numerous target audiences.
At this new dawn of reflection and renewal, media practitioners are expected to recommit to our primary mission which is journalistic excellence. This is a time of keeping close tab on our government and other critical stakeholders that drive our economy and other national interests, it is also a time for promoting truth and fairness through the news, opinions and stories we publish, conducting investigative journalism, beaming searchlights on toxic atmosphere of disagreement within various ethnic groups, reflecting on divisions throughout the country and building discussions that can attract workable solutions.
Media professionals should brace up to the challenges ahead, especially since we are expected to participate in the process of social reconstruction and democratisation. While discharging our duties, journalists should not deviate from the ethics of the profession because this will not auger well for the nation.
Unethical media reporting may as well give rise to abuse or irresponsible journalism that pursues sensationalism, biases, prejudices, plagiarism or even blackmail, as the case may be. Manifestations of unethical media reporting are particularly dangerous in the context of highly contested electoral processes in which objectivity and balance are compromised to suit the narrative of a superior interest. We must do everything possible to disconnect ourselves from such misconduct to protect the integrity and sanctity of the very noble profession.
Meanwhile, journalism anywhere in the world has gone past the stage in which all a reporter does is to report what a man says at a function, the responsibility is now huge and more technical to fit in to the contemporary realities, most of which are now ICT-based. You must upgrade and update your knowledge base, go for more research and training to always be on top of your game and be seen to be seasoned at what you do. Don’t be subservient to any politician or those with socio-economic influence in the society, because when the chips are down, the same people will call you out, ridicule you, soil your name and possibly ruin all you ever worked for in your career without recourse to decency, decorum or propriety. That is their way, therefore never fall for their antics or shenanigans, eschew covetousness, be satisfied with what you have and let your life style be moderate within the measure of your income.
However, as we all know 2023 is an election year in Nigeria, media practitioners must often understand and digest political candidate’s speeches and see if they are pertinent to the needs of the country, as well as, probe and interrogate the electorate’s reactions to issues, then do a follow-up to ensure enforcement and accountability so as to continue to gain public’s trust and commit to sharing the truth no matter whose ox is gored.
At at time like this, I also urge journalists in Nigeria to credibly wield their power gracefully to fulfill the promise the constitution imposes on the Fourth Estate of the Realm. They must strengthen their commitment to ensure that voters in Nigeria know the weaknesses and strengths of the candidates, their resilience and temperament and the character of their advisers. No greater time was the agenda setting role of the media more important, than the time of elections.
The information emanating from media sources are not only important for the citizens to make informed choices on voting, but also very critical in determining citizens’ participation in the process. As such, there is the need for the media professionals; journalists-reporters, editors and media managers to understand the imperatives and mechanisms that will make us to be more professional, more conflict sensitive, more gender-supportive and indeed be more public interest/issue oriented in our coverage of the electoral and political processes.
Thanks to each of you for your continued efforts and commitment in adding value to the ideal and enviable profession and please kindly accept my best wishes for a year of good health, happiness, abiding achievements and peace.
Once again happy new year!
Signed:
Mogaji Wole Arisekola,
PubÂlisher of Ireland-based journal, The Street Journal Magazine and Chairman Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON).
