The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos, has decried the rise in the dissemination of fake news and disinformation, calling for urgent and deliberate actions to combat unwholesome practices.
The centre also condemned the equally unwholesome growing threat to journalists in reporting democratic development and elections.
In a statement, by the IPC Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, he stressed the imperativeness of the role played by the media in reporting the actions and activities of stakeholders in the electoral process noting however, that “journalists remain obligated in providing factual and truthful information to citizens.”
He said: “In the face of emerging realities, media channels especially online platforms have become susceptible channels for the dissemination of disinformation in reporting elections as witnessed in the building up to the 2019 general elections, which is a dangerous trend that ethical and professional journalistic report must address.
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“Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of journalists, and this must be upheld at all times, especially when it comes to reporting democratic governance.”
The IPC Director however decried the increasing attacks on journalists in the discharge of their duties.
His words: “The International Press Centre, IPC, through its 2019 Media and Elections situation room found it worrisome that there was an increase in the attacks on journalists during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in disregard to the rights of journalists to monitor and report election activities as guaranteed by various regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.
“These acts are inimical to an enabling operational environment for journalism.”
Arogundade called on institutional stakeholders to use the 2019 WPFD as a spring board to address all infringements to freedom of expression and free media.
The theme for this year’s celebration which is the 26th edition is, “Media for Democracy, Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation.”
