On February 29, 2024, we hosted an insightful webinar on “Nigerian Mainstream Media Professionals and Media Ethics,” bringing together industry experts, journalists, and media enthusiasts to discuss the ethical challenges and responsibilities facing the Nigerian media landscape. The event saw an impressive turnout of 138 participants, highlighting the relevance of the conversation in today’s media environment.
Esteemed Panelists
The webinar featured two distinguished media professionals who shared their expertise and experiences:
- Leah Katung-Babatunde – CEO, Saban Media Services
- Chinyere Godwin – On-Air Personality, Kiss FM Lagos
Key Highlights from the Discussion
1. The Ethical Dilemma in Modern Media Practice
Leah Katung-Babatunde opened the conversation by addressing the evolving challenges faced by media professionals in upholding ethical standards. She highlighted how the pressure for breaking news, sensationalism, and competition for audience engagement often leads to compromised journalistic integrity. Leah emphasized the importance of fact-checking, balanced reporting, and respect for privacy as core ethical pillars. She urged media houses to prioritize truth and objectivity over clicks and ratings, reminding participants that media ethics protect both the public and the credibility of the profession.
2. Balancing Entertainment and Responsibility in Broadcasting
Chinyere Godwin brought a broadcasting perspective, discussing the fine line between entertainment and ethical reporting. As an on-air personality, she shared her experience navigating sensitive topics without sensationalism, respecting the rights of individuals, and ensuring that her platform promotes responsible dialogue. She stressed the need for continuous ethics training for media practitioners, especially in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly. Chinyere also encouraged young journalists to build credibility through responsible reporting, even when faced with pressure to sensationalize stories.
Interactive Session: Participant Engagement and Key Takeaways
The Q&A session provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the panelists. Both panelists emphasized the importance of strong editorial guidelines, media literacy, and accountability structures to maintain ethical standards across platforms.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Mainstream Media Professionals and Media Ethics webinar underscored the crucial role of ethics in sustaining public trust and journalistic integrity. As the media landscape continues to evolve, upholding ethical standards remains non-negotiable for professionals committed to responsible reporting. We extend our sincere gratitude to our panelists, participants, and organizers for making this webinar a success. Together, we can promote ethical media practices that inform, educate, and empower society.