By Anas Abbas
The Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA) chapter at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), organised a thought-provoking public lecture titled “Ethical Journalism in a Polarized Society: Striking the Balance Between Truth and Responsibility.”
The event, which took place on Saturday morning in the conference room of the University’s Faculty of Communication, attracted many students and faculty members.
The guest speaker, Mallam Aisar Salihu Musa, illuminated the critical aspects of journalism. He expressed deep concerns about the current state of journalism in Nigeria, stating, “The issue of objectivity in Nigerian journalism is a myth.”
Malam Aisar highlighted that challenges such as editorial bias, advertorial influences, and media ownership significantly hinder the progress of journalism in the country.
He further emphasised that journalism in Nigeria often resembles an act rather than a respected profession, especially when compared to fields like law.
Financial instability, he noted, further complicates matters, preventing journalists from adhering to ethical standards.
To counter these challenges, Aisar urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, responsibility, and balance in their reporting. He specifically advised them to be sensitive when covering conflict and religious issues.
He also encouraged journalists to join professional bodies that offer training opportunities, which can enhance their skills and support ethical reporting in their daily work.
The lecture concluded with a call to action for aspiring journalists to uphold the integrity of their profession amidst the complexities of a polarised society.