Look Beyond Reporting Press Releases, Attending Press conferences – Dadik
The Vice Chancellor Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Prof Umar Pate has stressed the need for journalists to uphold the sensitivity in reporting by avoiding stereotypes and prioritize the dignity of marginalized communities.
Prof Umaru Pate was delivering a key note address at the just concluded 8th Africa Conference on Development Journalism with the theme ” Beyond Borders: Innovative and Solutions for the Future of Development Journalism” held in Kaduna North West Nigeria.
. A group photograph of participants
He said it was imperative for development media professionals in contemporary Nigeria to understand and equip themselves with multiple skills and engage in continuous self development.
Prof. Pate noted that the landscape of Development Journalism is changing as a result of emerging technologies, the rise of new owners and players, changing media consumption habits of the audience, credibility challenges anpd decline in revenue earnings from the traditional sources.
According to him, the rise of digital media has led to a decline in trust in conventional communication sources and their products, resulting in de-legitimization or subversion of independent professional sources, the gradual disappearance of public interest in communication policy, and less attention on public issues and development communication compared to private interest.
(L-R) Prof.Ayodele Joseph, Kaduna State University, Sekyen Dadik AMDF ED, Prof Umar Pate, VC Fed University of Kashere, Asmau Halilu, Kad NUJ Chairman, Ibrahim Kangiwa FRCN
Prof Pate emphasized that considering the role of development journalism as a provider of credible public information, defender of democracy and development, and the challenges of Nigeria It is therefore critical for the country to have aspiring and practicing journalists, and communication experts who are strong, well-trained, and steadfast.
“Impactful development communication professionals are those with tangible and intangible skills. In the current era, they must be vastly knowledgeable about diversity, economic and development issues at the global, national and local levels.”
Prof. Umaru Pate added that the pattern of communication and, specifically, mass communication is in transition all over the world, especially as the information revolution and the development of the internet have given birth to a powerful and pervasive system of communication with a profound impact across boundaries of time, space, status, etc.
He explained that these developments have created limitless opportunities, affected roles, and caused difficulties and uncertainties in the media industry, nationally and internationally, thereby calling for rethinking, retooling, and reskilling among trainers and practitioners.
“The internet, social media, smartphones, and AI are transforming production practices, distribution and marketing services, and consumption patterns of communication and media products across societies.
“Changing technology is real, We should not fear or resist technology because AI is increasingly boosting incentives and infrastructure in countries including Nigeria. Development media professionals in contemporary Nigeria must understand and equip themselves with multiple skills that are cognitive and affective and engage in continuous self-development.
“Embrace democratic values and uphold accountability and sensitivity in reporting by avoiding stereotypes, and prioritizing the dignity of marginalized communities. Have a positive spirit and adopt critical thinking skills and also adopt a transformative spirit to connect, empower, and build.”
In Sekyen Dadik welcoming the participants
In her opening Remarks, Sekyen Dadik, the Executive Director of The Africa Media Development Foundation , AMDF organisers of the conference said the conference was not just about talking but sharing experiences, driving inclusion, and telling compelling stories that affect the people and attract interventions.
She charged media practitioners to continue to drive change using the media as a verifiable tool for social change.
Speaking further, the Executive Director challenged journalists and media practitioners to look beyond reporting press releases and attending press conferences. “Journalism is no longer just about attending press conferences and publishing press releases. It is a powerful tool to tell impactful stories—stories that reflect the challenges our communities face and drive meaningful, she said.
She expressed her gratitude to their partners and supporters who had made the conference possible. “Our deepest appreciation to Sightsavers Nigeria, their support towards the conference made it possibility to admit a number of participants here today on scholarship. Your commitment to Africa’s development is truly appreciated, she stressed
The 2-day conference featured presentation of the AMDF JOURNALIST of the Year Award to Eleven outstanding entries from both within and outside Nigeria as well as Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence to a Veteran who has contributed immensely to the development of the profession.
