Experts Harp on Constant Monitoring of Broadcast Content

The broadcast industry remains the most powerful tool for information dissemination.

Speaking on the review of media coverage of the 2019 general election at the two-day workshop organised by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, in Lagos, a Professor of Mass Communication, Stella Okunna, however, stated that it must be constantly monitored to prevent its abuse.

Professor Okunna remarked that from the report under review, the dissemination of fake news and hate speech would definitely instigate violence.

She explained that the internet was the most biased in the reportage of the 2019 election because it operated without rules and regulations under the guise of citizen journalism.

Also speaking at the event, a renowned mass communication teacher, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye said the major culprits of fake news in Nigeria were those that could best be described as information traffickers on the internet.

He explained that news trafficking is an age-long problem that could only be addressed through open government rather than through legislation.

The don enjoined broadcast regulators to be proactive by organizing similar workshops at the zonal levels to further sensitize people on the dangers of fake news, hate and dangerous speech.

Participants at the workshop included the Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr Mansur Liman and Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito Joseph.

Akinyinka Akintola