The Vice Chancellor , Precious Cornerstone University [PCU], Ibadan, Prof. Timothy Adejumo; the Head of Department of Mass Communication of the University, Dr Oluwaseyi Sanyaolu; another scholar in the department, Mrs. Vivien Akin-Morakinyo; a former General Manager of Inspiration FM, Ibadan, Mrs. Jadesola Ajibola and a Senior Correspondent with Arise News Television, Mr. Oba Adeoye, have called for collaboration of all stakeholders to fight the scourge of misinformation and disinformation.
They made the call during a one-day seminar organised by the Mass Communication Department of PCU with the theme: “The Role of Media Regulatory Bodies in Managing Online Content and Misinformation”, which took place at the Software Conference Room of the university.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Librarian, Dr Olajide Afolabi, called on all stakeholders in the ecosystem to work together to foster a media environment that is not only free but also responsible, ethical, and beneficial to society as a whole.
Prof. Adejumo said regulators, technology companies, journalists, academics, and the general public have a role to play in ensuring that the digital information landscape remains a space that serves the public good. The VC said the role of media regulatory bodies would be very crucial in achieving the goal.
The VC said: ‘’The rapid evolution of digital platforms and the increasing influence of social media have undeniably transformed how information is disseminated, consumed, and shared across the globe. However, this transformation also brings with it significant challenges, particularly in the realm of misinformation, disinformation, and the ethical management of content.
‘’In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of online content that ranges from insightful to harmful, uplifting to degrading, and truthful to mendacious. While these platforms offer a space for freedom of expression, creativity, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, they also serve as breeding grounds for falsehoods, malicious content, and polarising narratives. As gatekeepers, media regulatory bodies face the daunting task of ensuring that these platforms do not become tools for deception and manipulation.
‘’The role of media regulatory bodies has never been more crucial. These organisations are tasked with the responsibility of striking a delicate balance between preserving freedoms of speech and curbing harmful or misleading content. The rapid dissemination of false information can erode trust in institutions, incite violence, fuel political instability, and have far-reaching implications for public health, as we have witnessed in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, END-SARS movement and during our nationals and state elections.
‘’I encourage all of us to think critically about how the stakeholders in the media and communication ecosystem can contribute to addressing these pressing issues. Regulators, technology companies, journalists, academics, and the general public all have a role to play in ensuring that the digital information landscape remains a space that serves the public good.
‘’To our students and other participants, this seminar presents an invaluable opportunity to engage with these pressing issues and shape the future of media regulation. To all of us, let us work together, with urgency and dedication, to foster a media environment that is not only free but also responsible, ethical, and beneficial to society as a whole’’.
On his part, Adeoye said journalists are the gatekeepers of information, stating that there must be responsible and ethical journalism. He added that there is a need for stricter digital policies and self-regulation.
The senior journalist said: ‘’Stronger fact-checking and regulation must be taken seriously, if we are going to have a healthy information highway. There must be collaboration between media, technology companies and the government. Government should not see them as enemies but as partners in progress. Ethical journalism and public education are essential in fighting misinformation. Fighting misinformation is a shared responsibility. It is not the role of the government but everybody’s responsibility.
‘’In dealing with misinformation, regulatory bodies need to look in the area of Artificial Intelligence [AI] and embrace new technologies. We must embrace AI to regulate and be in turn with the current reality. If AI can create fake information, we need to use AI to identify fake information. We need to wake to the reality of the day’’.
Ajibola, who now works with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State [BCOS], said all hands must be on deck to fight fake news and misinformation.
Ajibola said: “Basically, for us to reduce misinformation in the media space, we need to take cognisance of what we are dishing out as professionals. Upcoming journalists should also take cognisance of the ethics of the profession. I also think that regulatory bodies have a lot to do. If we all work together we can achieve more. It is a collective responsibility. If we all work together, we’ll have a better society – a society that is free of misinformation and fake news”.
In his remarks, the HOD, Dr Sanyaolu, who said online media had come to stay, urged all and sundry to come together to sanitise the digital landscape. The don stressed that the insights gained from conferences would stand the students out in the market place and industry.
The HOD said: ‘’Online media have come to stay. All and sundry must come together to sanitise the digital landscape.
‘’It is very important that we do this conference for our students to gain more knowledge and insights on media practice. All schools run the almost same curriculum,but there are some things that will make you stand out. This is what we are trying to do so that you can be outstanding’’.
In her remarks, Akin-Morakinyo charged the students to imbibe and make use of the information and knowledge imparted on them to make differences in the world, saying professional growth did not just happen in a day but gradually.
Also speaking, a staff member of the Public Relations Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Mr. Samson Oladejo, said all stakeholders must join hands in the fight against misinformation, disinformation and mal-information.
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