As the world celebrates the World Press Freedom Day, the International Centre For Journalists (ICFJ) has appealed to journalists across the globe to join in the fight against disinformation.
The president of ICFJ, Ms Joyce Barnathan, in a newsletter on Friday, advised journalists to support the fight against the scourge of dissemination of harmful information, especially during elections.
She said that disinformation, and fake news were capable of influencing elections and heightening social tensions capable of having negative effects on democracy.
She assured that ICFJ would always work to assist media organisations to shun disinformation and ensure that truth prevailed during elections.
She said “ICFJ is working hard to ensure that the truth prevails and also to help media organisations stop the spread of disinformation during electoral campaigns by observing live fact checks during debates.’’
She however appealed to journalists to ensure that the public gets factual news by engaging in proper investigative journalism.
“We need to win this battle, there is far too much at stake.
“Help us support intrepid journalists to expose corruption and abuse; combat disinformation and ensure that truth prevails at all times because our work is needed more than ever,’’ she said.
Also reacting, Mrs Rafat Salami, a journalist with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) advised journalists to take lead roles in politics by setting agenda for politicians.
Salami advised journalists to present fair and balanced reportage always, especially in elections periods.
“The world should be able to rely on the media for the outcome and result of elections,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Celebration of 2019 World Press Day has the theme “Media for Democracy, Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation. (NAN)
