By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
Tracereporters –Peace Journalism Workshop organized by Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) Kaduna State, Supported by OPUS PEACE Foundation USA, has advised the relevant authorities to implement mechanisms to check the spread of fake news in the country.
This was contained in a Communique issued at their one day Peace Journalism Workshop, Held at: Lesham Continental Hotel, Barnawa, Kaduna State, Nigeria on 28th May, 2024 and signed by Communique Drafting Committee:
Chairman: Daniel Duniya
Secretary: Maureen Sheyin
Member: Hayatu N. Ashafa
Member: Ibrahim Lapinni
Member: Abubakar Abba
Member: FredricK Peters.
The Communique also recommended that Media organizations should motivate journalists through continuous training or employ qualified professionals who understand the profession’s ethics for effective and unbiased reportage.
According to the Communique, “Journalists committed to peace should investigate issues thoroughly to establish its veracity, seek updates, and be cautious about forwarding unverified information that may threatens the peace of the society.
“Journalists must avoid misleading headlines aimed at attracting sympathy and instead provide solutions to observed challenges.
Below is the full context of the Communique:
CHARTER FOR PEACE JOURNALILSTS IN NIGERIA
Background:
The Peace Journalism Workshop, organized by the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) and supported by the OPUS Prize Foundation, brought together media professionals and relevant stakeholders to strategize and enhance the capacity of the media to promote peace and mitigate conflict in their reportage. The workshop aimed to develop a comprehensive guide for Peace Journalism practice in Nigeria.
Reflecting IMC’s core values, the workshop commenced with a scriptural reflection. Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurein Ashafa and Pastor Dr. James Movel Wuye shared insights from the Quran and the Bible, respectively, offering participants a religious perspective on Peace Journalism.
For decades, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges, particularly in conflict and governance fragility, which have significantly impacted the national economy. The media’s role in addressing or mitigating these challenges is vital at every stage. Journalists play crucial roles in promoting peacebuilding and conflict mediation. However, recent increases in conflicts highlights a neglect of responsibilities by media professionals.
The workshop was convened to enhance the ability of media professionals to truly promote peace and meditative efforts. Five thematic areas were addressed during the workshop:
Prospects and Challenges between Conventional Journalism and New Social Media
Peace Journalism, Ethics, and Profession
The 15 Commandments of Peace Journalism
Faith-Based Peace Communication: Early Warning Indicators Between Sensitivity and Sensationalism
Peace Journalism in Action: Responsibility and Business
Observations:
Participants noted that ethical standards have been compromised in contemporary journalism, leading to numerous undesirable consequences. Key ethical values such as editorial independence, accuracy, privacy, privilege of non-disclosure, and public interest reporting have been neglected. Issues like plagiarism and undue influence by media owners were also highlighted.
The forum expressed concern over the increased incidence of plagiarism in journalism and media organizations, emphasizing the negative implications for peace and national security. There was a call for strict adherence to professional ethics and codes.
Participants criticized certain unethical practices in the media, where professional ethics are often compromised under various influences, threatening societal peace and harmony. Concerns were raised about the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) not adequately addressing the infiltration of unqualified individuals, which tarnishes the profession’s image and effectiveness.
Recommendations:
Media organizations should motivate journalists through continuous training or employ qualified professionals who understand the profession’s ethics for effective and unbiased reportage.
Journalists committed to peace should investigate issues thoroughly to establish its veracity, seek updates, and be cautious about forwarding unverified information that may threatens the peace of the society.
Journalists must avoid misleading headlines aimed at attracting sympathy and instead provide solutions to observed challenges.
Authorities should implement mechanisms to check the spread of fake news.
Participants were encouraged to embrace the four principles of Islamic Perspective on Journalism:
Truth and Truthfulness (Sidiqq)
Pedagogy (Tablig)
Moderation (Wasatiya)
Seeking the Best for the Public Interest
The workshop concluded with a call for collective efforts to uphold the principles of Peace Journalism, fostering a more harmonious and peaceful society in Nigeria.
Communique Drafting Committee:
Chairman: Daniel Duniya
Secretary: Maureen Sheyin
Member: Hayatu N. Ashafa
Member: Ibrahim Lapinni
Member: Abubakar Abba
Member: FredricK Peters