By EBUN SESSOU
Journalists have been charged to always consider ethics of the profession in the dissemination of information to the public as change agents in the society.
The charge came during a three-day workshop organised by Lagos State House of Assembly in conjunction with Multi-Talent Heritage and Associates, for correspondents covering the House as well as information officers and assistants.
Giving the charge, Speaker of the House, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said journalism was a profession guided by ethics which everyone taking on such profession should adhere to the ethics without fear or favour.
Ikuforiji, who was represented by his deputy, Kolawole Taiwo, stated that as much as journalists were ready to give out certain information to the public, especially as it concerned politicians, absolute professional ethics should be considered so as not to misguide the public.
According to him, “the assessment of politicians by journalists should be carried out in such a way that would put them on their toes.
“Such assessment should be done to gear up the politicians to work effectively but not with sentiment or with bias mind.”
He said journalist needed to be more thorough in the verification of facts and truths before sending same to the public.
The workshop titled, “Professional Ethics in Journalism and Political Reporting”, was designed to enable journalists know that the ethics in the profession is key and must be consciously upheld in high ethical values.
Speaking on the topic, “Ethics in Journalism”, Dr Taiwo Alausa, a lecturer in University of Lagos, said journalism ethics and standards comprised principles of good practice as applicable to the specific challenges faced by journalists.
Alausa said various existing principles had some differences in most shared common elements, including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability.
”Some journalist code of ethics also include a concern with discriminatory references in news based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities,” he said.
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