Richard Elesho
Journalists have been charged to pay attention to technical details and integrity when employing social media platforms for information sharing.
The charge was given on Saturday in Lokoja at a one day training on “Effective use of social media for media and CSOs,” organised by Stallion Times in conjunction with the Wole Soyinka Crntre for Investigative Journalism and Mac Arthur Foundation.
The Editor-in-Chief of Stallion Times, Isiyaku Ahmed, in an opening remark, emphasised accuracy and time consciousness. He said keeping to time is the first test of integrity, noting that people who pass that test are less likely to abuse privileges and positions of authority.
Isa Ali Musa, an Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Specialist, took participants through the rudiments of social media platforms, their audiences, and how to maximise their advantages.
He described journalism as an important service to society and that a society can either be made or marred by the way journalists do their work.
“Journalism is the greatest public service. We are in a digital age where social media, rather than traditional media reign. Because social media delivers real time, reaches a wider audience, and offers better room for engagement, it has become more popular.”
He said Journalists today generate their reports using social media, calling for caution in its usage. He advised practitioners to double-check and authenticate information before sharing. He also recommended the use of short and concise sentences, arranged in sequence for crafting compelling stories.
The resource person cautioned against emotional bias, disrespect, and urged social media users to be committed to best practices.
