Pan Atlantic University (PAU) on Thursday hosted its second annual media roundtable, gathering journalists, media experts, and industry leaders for an insightful discussion on the role of journalism in shaping national discourse.
The roundtable, held at the university’s Lagos campus, was focused on “Effective Journalism and its Role in National Discourse.”
Dr Peter Bankole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of PAU, in his opening address commended the strong turnout and also highlighted the importance of transparent media reportage and communication in shaping society.
He urged journalists to be mindful of their words, emphasizing the power of the media to influence societal narratives through well-researched, fact-checked content.
“As Business and Top Leaders what we say and write is important to society as we shape individuals and society through our communication either written or spoken,” he remarked.
The roundtable brought together several media experts who shared their thoughts on the challenges and responsibilities facing journalists in Nigeria.
Among the panelists were Tolulope Balogun, a media consultant and Head of Programmes at News Central; Hon. Magnus Ohigbe; Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist; and Sheik Quadri, a seasoned broadcast journalist amongst others.
The need to update Nigeria’s media regulations was one of the key issues discussed during the panel session.
Also, the need for media professionals to ensure transparency, constructive engagement with the government, and the importance of fact-checking in an increasingly digital media space extensively addressed.
One of the panelists, Mr. Jonathan criticized the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, noting that it was drafted during the military era and is outdated for the current media environment.
He expressed concern that the restrictions imposed by the code stifle creativity and media freedom, hindering democratic growth.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of granting media outlets the independence and protection needed to operate effectively, noting the rise in cases of journalists being mistreated and the necessity of respecting their role in society.
Sheik Quadri weighed in on the challenges faced by journalists in fulfilling their role as watchdogs of democracy.
He lamented that the current political climate in Nigeria makes it difficult for journalists to hold public figures accountable, with many politicians and government officials resisting scrutiny.
Quadri stressed that democracy cannot thrive without a free press, highlighting that journalism should promote development rather than discord.
He also addressed the dilemma of whether the media should report negative truths without constraint, affirming that transparency must remain the cornerstone of journalism, even in sensitive areas.
The impact of social media and emerging technologies on journalism was another critical topic.
Magnus Ohigbe expressed concern over the rise of citizen journalism, noting that while it democratizes information, it also threatens professional journalism with the spread of unverified and manipulated content.
He urged media professionals to remain vigilant in fact-checking, especially in an age where AI can be used to distort information.
Ohigbe warned that the media, while serving as gatekeepers, must contend with non-professionals who may undermine the credibility of their work.
Fisayo Soyombo, responding to questions about bias in journalism, acknowledged that while complete objectivity may be challenging, journalists must strive to remain as impartial as possible.
He criticized the government’s use of security agencies to suppress journalistic freedom and stressed that biases should never reflect in a journalist’s story, regardless of the pressures they face.
According to Soyombo, the primary commitment of a journalist should always be to the truth, ensuring that their reporting maintains balance and integrity.
Dr. Margaret, a senior faculty member at PAU, contributed an academic perspective on the role of the media, emphasizing the need for journalists to continually invest in their knowledge and skills.
She explained the media’s role as a partner in governance and development, urging journalists to engage constructively in national dialogue and to continue honing their expertise in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The event also featured a spoken word performance by Moyosoreoluwa Chiamaka Adeniyi, whose rendition implored the audience to take responsibility for shaping a better future for the next generation.