The Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo has called on media professionals to be alive to using their reportage to promote peaceful coexistence and advance cause of justice and democratic ideals for a better society.
Tayo equally urged journalists to be wary of maintaining unnecessary closeness with politicians and business executives warning that such relationships could be an hindrance to their determination to perform their duties without fear or favour.
The VC disclosed this during the university end of the year luncheon held for the media practitioners.
He said as group of people with special privilege of influencing the opinions, thoughts, and beliefs of millions of people, journalists must always hold aloft the ethics of truth, objectivity, fairness and promotion of rules of law which enhances a just society.
Tayo said “As journalists, you are all aware of the decisions you make; the stories you report, the pictures you paint, and the messages that are conveyed to your audiences. It is your responsibility to strive always to put the peace, unity, and development of our country first in your reporting.
“We must understand that your actions could have significant impacts on our country. You must realise that while you enjoy the freedom to express yourselves, you must also recognise the limits and ethics that guide your profession.
“You must be cautious not to fuel hate or incite violence with your reporting. It is your responsibility to promote understanding, bring about constructive dialogue, and ensure that the public has access to accurate and unbiased information.
“For example, when the journalist gets so close to the politician or business mogul, to the extent that he is accused of promoting politicians or corporate business executives, the journalist should review the relationship. He has both moral and ethical commitment to that review.
“Journalists will not be at their best when they work together with politicians and business executives. That sort of camaraderie is certainly bad for democracy. It is important to remember that you are all working towards the same goal- a peaceful, prosperous, and united country”.