Journalists Tasked on Professionalism, Adherence to Code of Ethics

By Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Journalists working in Kano State have been charged to adhere strictly to the Journalistic ethics and code of conduct while carrying out their work to promote professionalism.

The Editor-in-Chief, Stallion Times Media Services, Isiyaku Ahmed made the call on Friday at the end of a One-day training workshop on ‘Code of Ethics, Experience Sharing on Media Ethics and Ethical Concerns for Journalists organized by Stallion Times Media Services, the Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve Project –(GDRIP), with Support from the MacArthur Foundation.

According to him, the 3-project is being implemented in Kano and Kogi in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism aims to build the capacity of journalists and stakeholders on investigative reporting, ethics, safety, media literacy, and sustainability.

Ahmed stated that the training hope to lead conversations and provide thought leadership on media independence, accountability of government at all levels, social justice, and amplify the voices of marginalization.

During the training session with about 40 journalists from different media across the state, Ethics and Ethical Concerns for Journalists’ as well as attitudes that undermine ethics in media practice and news reportage were extensively discussed with recommendations made on steps forward.

In a communique issued at the end of the training, journalists present unanimously called on people citizen journalism without the prerequisite qualifications to strife for self-development programmes to minimize quackery.

The participants also call for special media salary for both public and private media houses as to curtail issues of gratification which often leads to compromise in the course of their jobs.

Furthermore, Journalists were admonished not to allow factors such as; individual interest, cultural and religious perceptions becloud their sense of objectivity while writing any report.

Also, the communique cautioned against much reliance on foreign media in reporting happenings within Nigerian domain, saying that the practice have far reaching implications on the nation’s independence, peace and security.

Papers presented at the workshop training were ‘Code of Ethics for Journalists’ and ‘Experience Sharing on Media Ethics and Ethical Concerns among participating Journalists by Malan Adamu S. Ladan.