Dr Okuneye of the Department of Mass Communication Chrisland University Abeokuta Ogun State stated this while delivering the maiden lecture of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) NTA Chapel in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Okuneye observed that to positively influence the public responsively and meaningfully, Journalists should promote the ethical standard of objectivity as an antidote to fake news in the country.
He said the dangers of inaccurate and biased reporting include a bad reputation for. The media organisation involved, threats to National development at all times, considering the reputation of their organizations and ensuring that their content influences the public in a responsible and meaningful way.
"It is no doubt that professionalism and adherence to ethical journalism are essential for News reporters,it is not just for the sake of practicing but your name and the image of your organisation' he stated
The varsity don observed that In today's highly competitive world the need to either attract more traffic to your channel or readership to your organisation must be paramount hence the need to take a look at the expectations of the citizens from news reports which includes, transparency and accountability, accuracy and reliability,Objectivity, in-depth analysis of news reports among others.
Dr Okuneye charged Media Practitioners to be more responsive to the yearnings of the citizens by remaining impartial and remember that meeting the timely information need of the citizens is responsible for the continuous proliferation of the social media but orthodox media must remain counterbalance by offering more rigorous and thoughtful journalism.
Earlier, Chairman of NUJ NTA Chapel Comrade Yemmy Dalemo explained that the lecture is part of measures to remind the gathering of the enormous tasks of Journalists to the nation which must be done with all sincerity, impartially, accurately and objectively.
