NUJ Talks Tough On Dissemination Of Fake News

As the world marks Press Freedom Day, Journalists in Bayelsa State are cautioning social media users on the dissemination of fake news.

The Journalists say fake news remains a threat to the journalism practice and it erodes public trust, which is the binding strength between the media and society.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Samuel Numonengi and the Secretary, Comrade Ogio Ipigansi, the NUJ noted that fake news is capable of damaging democratic processes and harm public safety as well as create mistrust amongst the citizenry.

The statement adds that the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day “Journalism Under Digital Siege” not only highlights the ways fake news endanger journalism practice but also the consequences of public trust over digital communications.

On World Press Freedom Day, media workers reflect on issues of press freedom and ethical standards and demonstrate support for Journalists and others in media who work tirelessly to source and disseminate news to people’s homes across the world.

The United Nations consider it an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of free press, defend the attacks on media independence, pay tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Pope Francis paid tribute and prayed for Journalists who pay in person, with their lives or imprisonment with courage to inform society of the wounds of humanity.