INEC, Broadcast Media Anchors Unite Force Against Spread of Fake News
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is holding a two-day interactive workshop for Broadcast Media Anchors across the federation.
The workshop organised by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi and with the theme: “Contextualising INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations amid Fake News and Disinformation” holding at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos aimed at making the broadcast media more responsive to issues on electoral guidelines and processes.
In a keynote address, INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu described broadcasters as critical stakeholders at the shaping the electoral system.
Represented by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, IVEC, Mr Sam Olumekun, Prof Yakubu reiterated that the commission suffers from devastating effects of fake news and Disinformation hence the need to engage with the media organisations.
He called for verification of facts before publication noting that accuracy must not be sacrificed in educating the public on electoral processes.
In a welcome address, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami said the interactive workshop became imperative in view of the need to update and enlighten the public on information dissemination by broadcasting medium.
Prof. Salami charged journalists to be in proper perspective in giving true and adequate information to the society.
In a goodwill message, representative of the partner agency, Development Alternative Incorporate, DAI, Mr Rudolf Elbling emphasized on the need for journalists to get their facts right before publication.
The organiser of the workshop and the CPS to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi on the significance of the workshop said media should do more in reporting the activities of the electoral body.
Mr Oyekanmi informed the gathering that lack of adequate awareness through media broadcast about INEC and it’s responsibilities has been the factor responsible for public perceptions of the commission.
The workshop is being attended by selected participants in broadcasting medium, both radio and television from across the thirty six states of the federation and the FCT.
