Editors Confab highlights need for media adaptation to changing trends and ethical challenges

Second from right, Dr. Qasseem Akinreti , Director of News, VON, Publisher / Ceo , MARKETING EDGE, Mr John Ajayi , President , NGE , Mr Eze Anaba, Past President of NGE Mr. Gbenga Adefaye with two other members of the guild during the opening session of the Confab.

By Zion Rufus

At the ongoing All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2023) in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state in Nigeria, distinguished figures, including Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, ANEC Chairman and Founder/Chairman of Vanguard, and Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, have emphatically stressed the imperative for editors and publishers to adapt to the evolving landscape of news delivery, technological advancements, combating fake news, and address ethical concerns like manipulations through AI, such as deep fakes.

During his address at the conference which was well attended by respected personalities such as Akwa-Ibom State Governor,His Excellency, Mr. Umo Bassey Eno, and Former Governor of Ogun State, HE Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Amuka-Pemu urged editors to be fearless in disseminating news.

Emphasizing that editing involves discerning what to publish, he highlighted the constitutional empowerment of journalists as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” to combat fake news propagated online by non-professional journalists.

He also called on editors to hold the government accountable by truthfully reporting and walking the tightrope.

While speaking on the theme of the event “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of The Media,” the Vanguard Chairman buttressed that the future lies in the digital landscape, as he explored the current prevalence of online and digital journalism.

He noted that today, e-copies have to be released before the print versions, owing to the financial challenges faced by print media houses and economic constraints affecting salary payments.

Mr Felix Ofou Executive Assistant, New Media, to Delta State Governor and Mr John Ajayi, Publisher/CEO MARKETING EDGE Publications

Expressing similar sentiments, Erasmus Ekpang, while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of his governor, highlighted the conference theme’s relevance, emphasizing the media’s pivotal role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

On his part, Ekpang lamented the media’s failure to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities due to political persuasions and affiliations, challenging editors to rise to the occasion.

In his final submission, the commissioner drew attention to the global impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on economies and urged the media to be vigilant against AI’s intrusion in creating fictional narratives.