Communication

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Media regulators, professionals, investors in the industry, and the government, among other stakeholders, have been charged to intensify efforts at protecting the media environment from fake news.

A prominent political leader and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Segun Sowunmi gave the charge in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while speaking with newsmen on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

Mr Sowunmi, who maintained that access to information technology and the internet, had expanded the operational space for journalists and custodians of information urged them to guard against misinformation, media victimization, and cyberbullying.

Mr Sowunmi, who said that a certain level of press freedom existed in the country, emphasized that the safety of journalists must be accorded priority, considering the peril and risks of the job.

Mr Sowunmi explained that the media as the fourth Estate of the Realm must continue to hold the government accountable to the people on the need to address salient issues, including the current global environmental crisis in line with the theme for this year’s celebration, ”A press for the planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental crisis”

Speaking on the Country’s electoral system, Mr Sowunmi maintained that there was a need to reform,  restructure, and redirection of political parties to live up to expectations as the platform for the people to pursue political ambitions.

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Communication

By Olaolu Fawole

With the advancement of technologies including Artificial Intelligence, AI, digital platforms are now flooded with misinformation in different forms.

To combat the spread of false narratives, the concept of prebunking emerged, which is to serve as a proactive strategy in the fight against fake news on both traditional and social media.

What is “Prebunking”.

Prebunking is a term from “preemptive debunking”, which means focusing on prevention rather than reactive mitigation. It involves effectively fortifying the public against deceptive narratives. Also, prebunking is an approach that shields media content consumers from the influence of false information, by providing accurate information ahead of time.

A key component of prebunking strategies is proactive communication and education campaign. This component preemptively debunk misinformation from identified potential sources of misinformation by disseminating accurate information.

Engaging media content users through various channels such as social media platforms and through traditional media as well as community outreach programmes, would make prebunking process more impactful among the heterogeneous audience and ensure a culture of critical thinking and media literacy.

Nevertheless, prebunking strategies in  preserving the truth in media have many potential benefits, which are significant. These include mitigating the impact of misinformation on public discourse, strengthening the resilience of democratic societies and promoting informed decision-making.

However, there are some challenges surrounding prebunking. Identifying and preemptively debunking misinformation before it goes viral requires time and a robust fact-checking process. Also, addressing echo chambers and confirmation bias, which can been classified as drivers of misinformation  requires a detailed and subtle comprehension of how people think, feel, and behave, as well as the underlying psychological factors that influence their actions.

Moreover, collaboration among journalists, media organisations, fact-checking organisations, government agencies, educational institutions and civil society organisations can amplify the impact of prebunking mechanisms and counter spread of misinformation.

All stakeholders must embrace the various innovative approaches such as prebunking to counter misinformation through proactive communication, education and partnership, so as to build a more dependable information ecosystem.

Communication

By Mojisola Oladele

Osun State House of Assembly has emphasized the need public media stations to improve its mode of operations.

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Adekunle Oladimeji made the call during its maiden meeting with the Management team from Osun State Broadcasting Corporation , OSBC, at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo. 

Mr. Oladimeji explained that government owned media outfit was expected to set the pace amidst of other media outlets in the state, hence the need to exhibit efficiency with the available resources. 

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While stressing the importance for all to contribute their quota to the development of the State and the Nation at Large, Mr. Oladimeji task the media to embrace balance, effective and efficient journalistic practice. 

Also his contributions, member representing Olorunda State Constituency, Mr. Olaide Ajibola expressed the readiness of the Committee to cooperate with the station to achieve a remarkable face lift.

Mr. Ajibola urged the station to promote local sports activities which would go a long way in identifying and promoting indigenous young sport talents. 

In his words, the Permanent Secretary, OSBC, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Folaranmi highlighted the challenges hindering smooth running of the station to the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Alhaji Folaranmi appreciated the House for the opportunity and reiterated OSBC’s commitment towards promoting the State Government’s Programmes and Polices. 

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Communication

The Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Malam Balarabe Illela has called on broadcasters to be cautious when airing national security issues.

Malam Illela stated this during a one day meeting with the State Commissioner of Information and Chief Executive Officers of Broadcast Stations in Nigeria held in Kano.

He said the commission was disturbed by the rate at which many broadcast stations were indebted to the commission in terms of payments and renewal of their licenses.

Malam Illela appealed to broadcasting stations to ensure timely payment of the license fees that are geared towards achieving the stated objectives.

He gave those broadcasting stations that were yet to settle their license fees until September 9, 2023, to do so or have their license revoked.

“Any Broadcasting station that have already has a provisional license but is unable to use it for the duration of two years is automatically revoked,” he added.

Highlights of the event include discussions and suggestions on how to move the broadcasting industry forward.

FRCN Abuja/Taiwo Akinola

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