Media workers have been reminded of the need to protect and inform their listeners right by varifying their information especially from the social media before airing or piblishing.
Former head of corporate communications, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mr Ken Ike Okere gave the charge during a two day media training on “Fact Check” held at Flo FM premises Umuahia.
The train was organised by West Africa Broadcast Media Academy – WABMA in partnership with organizations.
Mr Ken explained that verification of stories will kill fake stories and discourage their sponsors and advised that journalists should not be lazy, but make efforts in finding out the truth on what they are dishing out to the public.
Speaking on unethical photo and video, Mr Ken pointed out that fact check is part of media culture, hence, a photo or video might not be fake but could be manipulated. He stated that manipulated pictures and videos are mostly seen during war period, as well used by politicians to damage the reputation of their opponent.
According to him, the essence of journalism is the discipline of verification, adding that journalism should maintain healthy scepticism and not cynicism.
He added that technical knowledge helps media workers to identify doctored photos and videos and reminded that Nigeria is preparing for 2023 general election, therefore, journalists should get properly trained and remove sentiments in issues but research for facts to avoid reporting fake news.
He maintained that fact checking is different from opinion in journalism. Mr Ken emphasized that facts explain what happened, unlike opinion that represents a perception about something. He added that facts can be verified with the help of evidence or statistics. On the contrary, an opinion may not be supported by an evidence.
According to the trainer, fact relies on observation or research, while opinion is based on statement.
Okere said fact is something that have existed which can be Validated with peace of evidence. It can be Measured, Observed or Proven.
He Described Fake News as a complete false news that might be released mistakenly, not intentional.
However, participants at the two days training had the opportunity to learn steps and how to fact check stories, pictures and videos.
Some of the participants including Felix Obani, Stanley Mba, Ifeanyi Okali, Macarty Uzoma, Ifeanyi Ogbonna thanked WABMA and it’s partners for putting the training together. They described the lecture as an eye opener and opportunity to add to their knowledge as well become professional.
