SNB SUMMIT TASKS JOURNALISTS ON ETHICAL, CONFLICT-SENSITIVE REPORTING

SNB SUMMIT TASKS JOURNALISTS ON ETHICAL, CONFLICT-SENSITIVE REPORTING

Broadcast professionals have called on journalists to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting and responsible communication, warning against what they described as reckless and problematic journalism that could undermine national security and public confidence in the media.

The call formed the focus of discussions at the 2026 South-West Summit, Induction Ceremony and Award Presentation of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), where stakeholders stressed the need for broadcasters to uphold ethical standards, professionalism and public interest above sensationalism, political influence and commercial considerations.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ade Adekanmbi, described broadcasting as a profession that goes beyond reading news or appearing before cameras, noting that broadcasters hold a sacred responsibility to society.

“Broadcasting is far more than speaking behind a microphone or appearing before a camera. It is the noble responsibility of informing, educating, inspiring and preserving the values of our society,” he said.

He urged newly inducted members of the Society to regard their admission as a lifelong commitment to professional excellence and service.

“Let integrity define your journalism. Let accuracy guide your reporting. Let fairness shape your commentaries. Let innovation distinguish your productions. Above all, let public interest remain your highest priority,” Adekanmbi charged.

Reflecting on the history of the Society, he recalled that the idea of establishing a professional body for broadcasters was first conceived in 1962 by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola and later sustained by industry veterans before the Society was formally registered in 1994.

According to him, the Society continues to play a crucial role by regulating individual professional conduct, complementing the work of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which regulates broadcasting organisations.

He noted that the Society is committed to promoting professional standards, continuous training, research, certification, mentorship and collaboration among broadcasters while serving as a unified voice for practitioners.

Adekanmbi also appealed to the Oyo State Government to urgently address the challenges facing the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), describing the station as a vital part of Nigeria’s broadcasting heritage.

“BCOS is part of our broadcasting heritage. We cannot afford to allow such an institution to decline,” he said.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Public Policy, Mass Media and Conflict-Sensitive Broadcasting: Strengthening Media-Government Synergy for National Security,” veteran broadcaster Chief Yemi Farounbi cautioned journalists against sensational and irresponsible reporting, saying such practices contribute to insecurity and weaken public trust.

He maintained that national security is not dependent solely on military efforts but also on public trust, legitimacy and credible communication.

“Where communication is distorted, partisan, sensational or careless, insecurity deepens. Where it is truthful, disciplined and conflict-sensitive, peace becomes more attainable,” he said.

Farounbi advised journalists to remain independent and avoid becoming instruments of government or political interests.

He explained that conflict-sensitive journalism requires thorough verification of information, clear distinction between facts and allegations, balanced representation of different viewpoints and avoidance of language capable of escalating tensions.

The veteran broadcaster also warned against media capture, where editorial decisions are influenced by ownership interests, political patronage or commercial pressures.

“When journalists begin to ask not ‘What is true?’ but ‘What will please the owner?’, truth becomes subordinated to loyalty, public trust erodes and insecurity worsens,” he warned.

He further stressed the need for caution in reporting security operations, urging journalists to distinguish between information that serves the public interest and details that could endanger lives or compromise ongoing operations.

Representing the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Clementine Wamba described broadcasting as a strategic national institution with significant influence on governance, social cohesion and national security.

She urged broadcasters to comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and ensure that freedom of expression is exercised responsibly, professionally, fairly and accurately.

According to her, responsible broadcasting should “inform without inflaming, educate without intimidating and promote dialogue rather than discord.”

She noted that the rise of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, citizen journalism, misinformation and disinformation has made it imperative for broadcasters to strengthen editorial processes, fact-checking mechanisms and ethical standards.

Wamba also emphasised that media-government collaboration must be built on mutual respect, professional accountability and commitment to the public interest without compromising editorial independence.

During the interactive session, participants advised journalists preparing for coverage of the 2027 general elections to remain neutral despite increasing political polarisation.

Responding to questions, Farounbi encouraged broadcasters to remain objective, resist pressure from politicians and media proprietors and uphold professional ethics at all times, noting that credibility remains the most valuable asset of any journalist.

He added that constructive cooperation between the media and government should not be mistaken for censorship or self-censorship, stressing that journalists must continue to hold public officials accountable while exercising discretion where disclosures could jeopardise legitimate security operations.