The image of journalism profession has been tarnished over the years due to the activities of quacks and unprofessionals who lack proper journalism training but are acting as journalists. Such people engage in peddling hate speech, fake news and defamatory statements that are capable of jeopardizing national peace and security. They have no regards to the journalism code of ethics. Their concern is to get the cash at the expense of national and professional values. Journalism has the following factors; accurate presentation of figures, factual account of events, fairness and balance in reporting issues. These qualities are fading away due to the activities of quacks who pose as journalists.
Even some reputable media organisations are gradually losing integrity due to subjective news reportage. In the information scene today the media ownership consciously or unconsciously influences the content of the media. It is more like “he who pays the piper dictates the tune”.
However, the need to sanitise the journalism profession cannot be over-emphasised. Recently, a bill was passed in the House of Representatives that anyone seeking to practice journalism in Nigeria must “hold a first degree, higher national diploma certificate or its equivalent in journalism, media art or communication from any higher institution in Nigeria or elsewhere”. The proposal is contained in the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill 2019 sponsored by Francis Agbo.
This, I believe, is a nice move towards bringing sanity to the journalism profession. Furthermore, strict measures should be put in place to punish violators of the rules and regulations governing journalism practice in Nigeria. Any media organisation that fails to uphold the tenets of journalism practice should be sanctioned.
Now that Nigeria is at the brink of insecurity and disharmony, there is an urgent need to sanitize the journalism profession. This will go a long way in salvaging our dear nation. It is believed that those who control information, control power. Therefore, the concerned authorities should do the needful by sanitizing the journalism profession.
I call on media owners to try and distance themselves from influencing the contents of their media. This will help in promoting a healthy society.
Agwal Thapai,
Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri