The Stallion Times Media Service has organized a one-day media training on ‘Conflict Sensitive Reporting’ in Kano, as one of its activities in year 2 of the 3-year Participatory Governance and Media Literacy project tagged “Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve (G-DRIP)” in Kano and Kogi states.
In a Communique signed by By Abbas Ibrahim Chairman, Kano Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Isiyaku Ahmed,
Editor-in-Chief Stallion Times Media Services, said the training was part of the effort to encourage accurate, objective and balanced reportage of conflict situations and the worsening unethical media reports leading to abuse or irresponsible journalism that pursues sensationalism, biases, prejudices, and blackmail.
Read Also: As Nigeria Decides, NUJ Calls for Caution
The Communique described Conflict Sensitive Reporting as the path towards fostering peace development within society.
The Communique resolved that; Conflict Sensitive Reporting entails being sensitive and attentive to warning signals to conflict.
According to the Communique, consequences of any conflict should not be underestimated stressed that Conflict sensitive reporting contributes to peace building.
Read Also: Avoid Sensational Headlines, Breaking News Without Verifying Source, INEC Urges Journalists
It further stressed that Ethics is rooted in philosophy and forms the basis of professional journalism.
The Communique resolved that involvement into a story is completely unacceptable and condemnable in professional reporting and noted that the safety of journalists is important in conflict reporting.
The communique recommended that;
Journalists should report conflict stories accurately and objectively using a balanced approach.
“Understanding the environment is crucial in conflict reporting and always avoid sensationalism
Avoid profiling that could lead to victimization,
Framing conflict reports should be peace oriented,”
“Avoid stereotypes, name callings, and unnecessary profiling, do not allow conflict to escalate before reporting it, Fake news is false, misleading, unacceptable, and highly unprofessional,” The Communique further explained.
“The project is in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism under the Collaborative Media Project with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
Read Also: MURIC Congratulates Jigawa State Attorney General On His Re-appointement
The event was attended by a cross section of journalists from different broadcast, print and blogosphere organizations.
