Media experts caution practitioners against fake news
By Felica Nwosu
The power of the media they say is so influential in shaping the way a society is perceived, being the watchdog of the society, the 4th estate of the realm, as well as the agenda setter. It is on this premise that media experts have cautioned its practitioners against fake news, while urging them to embrace ethical standards and professionalism in order to remain socially responsible in their reportage.
This was during the milestone press conference held in preparation for the 40th anniversary celebration of Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State to herald the commencement of the epochal event which is scheduled to hold in May this year.
The event which held at Matrix Lounge BCOS premises, Ile Akede, Orita Basorun, Ibadan, had in attendance, Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Chairman, anniversary committee of BCOS TV at 40, Prince Dotun Oyelade; members of the board of BCOS; Chairman, National Union of Journalists; Oyo state Council and representatives of various media houses.
Prince Dotun, during his welcoming address, reaffirmed the transformative power of the media, especially the television, which he said, has the power of persuasion that can make or mar any society, while identifying fake news as a bane to effective journalism across the globe.
He said: “Television broadcasting is the oxygen of democracy. The challenges of the new media is not peculiar to Nigeria, neither Africa, nor the world. The technology of the new media has thrown up so many challenges in different ways and individual stations will have to grapple with it in their own ways. For us, all we need to do is to be finicky, meticulous in sifting between stories that are true and those that are patently false, used in achieving certain ends.”
The chairman also commended and appreciated the contributions of Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, ace broadcaster and the first chairman of BCOS, a cerebral and dynamic administrator, chief Bisi Adesola,a quintessential journalist and Alhaji Lateef Busari, an ace engineer, towards the growth and transitional changes the legendary broadcast station has undergone.
Another media veteran, Adebisi Adesola, noted that the traditional media has a huge responsibility to play in ensuring fairness, objectivity, balance, and proper investigative gathering in all reports.
Adebola shared: “You have a responsibility to be credible, professional and you must be a residual of standard, by setting a professional code for others to follow.”
As staff, management of BCOS and other stakeholders look forward to the celebration of the 40th anniversary, various activities have been slated to spice up the colorful event, come May 2022.
The historic Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State which has today metamorphosed as BCOS TV, was formally known as Television Service of Oyo State
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