Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. John Odey, has cautioned media outfits in the country to avoid reports that would infringe on the stability and security of the nation.
Addressing a public forum organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Calabar on the theme: �Broadcasting and Sustainable Democracy: The South-south Experience,� Odey appealed to media organisations to avoid undue sensationalism especially on issues that could threaten law and order and the corporate existence of the nation.
The minister said that while he totally believed in the rights of the media to freely disseminate information as enunciated in the constitution, they should be cautious of their responsibility to the stability and security of the nation.
According to him, �criticisms are always welcome, especially those of the constructive variety, while advocacy for the destruction of our core values of national unity and peaceful co-existence should be discouraged.
�The media has a duty to present facts as they are, and a responsibility to protect the good image of the fatherland. This is indeed the hallmark of patriotism.�
Odey noted that the perception of Nigeria internationally was based largely on the contents of news in the local media, especially now that most television stations broadcast on satellite and were viewed all over the world.
�When we place undue emphasis on crises, strife and other negative trends whether they happen or not, we are creating a slanted impression of ourselves at great cost to our national pride,� he said.
The minister also said the present administration would continue to encourage the emergence of more broadcast outfits in line with the policy of deregulation in order to make information readily available to all Nigerians.
He, however, advised the outfits to continuously improve on the quality of their programmes to retain the confidence of the people.
Declaring the forum open, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, noted that the Niger Delta region, was still enmeshed in militancy and youth restiveness and said the situation posed challenges to media outfits in their coverage of the area.
Imoke, who was represented his deputy, Barr. Efiok Cobham, also said the media had a lot to do in stabilizing democracy in the country, adding that government should properly equip the media outfits to enable them fulfil their responsibilities.
The Director-General of NBC, Mr. Yomi Bolarinwa, said the public forum is a feedback mechanism of the Commission to enhance professionalism in the broadcast industry and to gauge public perception and reception of their programmes.
Aug252007