The Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe has emphasized the need for journalists to verify information before they are published.
The DG, urged media organisations to always verify their stories with the media managers of the State Governor and government to avoid misleading the general public.
He stated this Sunday September 1, 2024, at the Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), from Party to Parley, a platform where critical stakeholders are featured.
He insisted that reporters must ensure accuracy, fairness and objectivity in discharging their duties.
He said news stories must be evident-based, “that is why the constitution has recognized us (members of the press), as the fourth estate of the realm”.
He decried the absence of balanced copies in journalism practice, stressing the need for the information managers to be reached to give credibility to the story, medium and equally make their (information managers), work seamless.
“Some of these stories ought to have been verified. We have different people handling information in the State and the head, is the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza.
“Our colleagues can always call to find out about certain issues then, we can explain it throw more light on the issues.
“Professionals like you are gatekeepers, whether you are a news editor, publisher, sub editor as the case maybe. The duty is such that when the story or press statement comes, your duty is to lok at it. Then, you find out from the government to know whether it is the truth.
“And by the time you now marry the two together, you then, give Deltans the correct information. Misinformation, is not good for the person you are talking about, it is not also good for the medium.
“So, I want to appeal to us, before we put anything out concerning the government of this state, particularly this administration, crosscheck those facts with some of us.
“We won’t hide anything. You are the watchdog of the society. It is your duty to put out the correct information”.
He charged the media to have a more cordial relationship with the state government as the media remains partners in progress.
