Bauchi Gov Urges Broadcasters To Prioritise Accuracy, Verification

Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has charged Nigerian broadcasters to prioritise verification, accuracy and responsible reporting in the face of rising misinformation and disinformation.

Mohammed gave the charge yesterday in Bauchi, when he opened the 3rd Annual Conference and the induction of new members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB).

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, said the rapid spread of manipulated content had made credible and responsible broadcasting more important than ever.

The conference, themed “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy,” brought together media experts, broadcasters and other stakeholders.

Among those in attendance were the president of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Prof. Umaru Pate, and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Mrs Motunrayo Alaka.

Mohammed urged broadcasters to uphold professional ethics by verifying information before dissemination and clearly distinguishing between facts, analysis, commentary and opinion.

“I urge practitioners to continue placing a premium on verification, accuracy and responsible reporting, and to maintain a clear distinction between facts, analysis, commentary and opinion,” he said.

The governor also commended the SNB for upholding democratic processes in managing the society’s affairs, particularly through periodic elections and the renewal of its leadership.

He noted that the conference would also provide an opportunity for members to elect a new Executive Council, describing leadership transition as an important test of the strength and maturity of any institution.

“I therefore commend the society for sustaining a democratic process through which its members can renew their leadership,” Mohammed said.

He urged members of the society to use the conference to reflect on their achievements, confront emerging challenges, strengthen professional relationships and chart a responsible course for the future of broadcasting in Nigeria.