by Kingsley Ahanonu

The efforts of the Nigerian press in projecting the nation’s image all these while have been commendable. But the string that caused the massive admiration of the populace towards the media for their objectivity has gradually been eroded.

Every 3rd of May is observed as World Press Day. And each year, the prominent roles of the media is brought to the fore; and the call as always has remained for further press reinvention-it is for the press to exact its duty in the true light of its freedom.

The press worldwide has proved to be a powerful force in shaping policies and effecting sundry decisions. From time immemorial, the instrumentality of the press over political cum psycho-social situations has remained endearing and far-reaching. The roles of the media and the other avenues of information dissemination, in bringingnews and happenings closer to the door-steps of everyone, have being instrumental in the drive to a globalized world. In no small measure has the media won massive trust among all class. Little wonder breaking news and other news flashes are circulated at a snap with evinced confidence.

In Nigeria, the influence of the press has been conspicuous and wellappreciated especially as the fourth estate of the realm. The tale of the return to the nascent democratic experience which has rolled uninterrupted for fourteen years running cannot be said to be
appreciably complete without regards to the immeasurable roles of the Nigerian press. They, in no small ways, mustered a defiant courage in projecting within and outside our shores the simmering nationalistic drives and ideals of the prominent pro-democratic figures and the many unheard voices of the common Nigerians in the efforts to restore popular government.

The efforts of the Nigerian press in projecting the nation’s image all these while have been commendable. But the string that caused the massive admiration of the populace towards the media for their objectivity has gradually been eroded. The influx of unprofessional elements, who are not after the ideals of true press practice but for the pecuniary gains, has being the bane of the growing misrepresentation of issues and facts. And this has resulted in a massive flow of mistrust and questionableness of transmitted information. Nowadays, unlike before, when one hears of an news story, a double if not triple reconfirmations is needed to ascertain its veracity.

The foreign media cum audiences, it seems are obsessed about over-blowing the negative aspects of Nigeria nay Africa (wonder if
they use it for the movies, anyways?). Many of the media houses, in following this precedence set by the foreign press and in a bid to receive foreign patronages, find it lucrative in selling out our badsides. It is ridiculous that some supposedly Nigerian scenarios are lifted for rebroadcast from foreign media by some domestic media houses. But this is not the objective of professional and value-based press practice.

Nevertheless, there are still some media houses which uphold the tenets of true press: objectivity and veracity; these are the beacon of the press. Hope is high in this wise. As such it is expected of these thin lines in the darkened cloud to set the stage in redefining the lost path to professional journalism.

As I am not of the view to paint white when the situation is black, however objectivity should be maintained; a case of balanced
reportage. This country has got heritage, talents and centres of attraction waiting to be explored; they should be given attention. In highlighting the problems of terrorism, kidnapping, etc. faced by Nigeria, a lucid picture should be created as to what the underlying causes are as well as the efforts by the government to cushion it. So, sentimentalism should have no place in the mainstream journalism.

The press institution it seems has become the foray of money-bags who are solely interested in the profits therefrom- after all, they are businessmen. This should not be the case. Having money shouldn’t be a criteria but public interest should. As such, only genuine and professional individuals should man the press bodies for effectiveness.

Nigeria is a country of fair and bad weathers, just like the others, but it is important to also reflect the outweighing good sides of the
country rather than sacrifice it on the altar of patronages and economic advantages. In this vein, therefore, codes of conduct should be placed to ensure that only verifiable reports are sent out for public consumption and sanctions adequately meted to defaulters.

The public has got a role in this drive. News houses that has consistently being known for giving out unbalanced reports should
suffer loss in patronage. By constantly soliciting news items from only trusted institutions, they are encouraged to follow the path of truth with a dissuading effect on the bad ones. They are also to be effective contributors in unravelling the true feedback on current issues especially on the operations of the insurgents ravaging the land.

The government, on her part must ensure that the provisions of the accented freedom of information bill (FOIB) are respected, to prevent the press from making reports based on assumptions.

The rebirth of a trustworthy, efficient and purpose-driven press is anchored on a holistic approach towards investigative journalism, which not only rest upon the oars of practitioners but on the committed support of the populace to see it achieved.

A free press that knows its onions is the light of democracy. Press, should in the full realization of this responsibility, show us the
way!

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.