*Eyeball to Eyeball*
By George Ozalla
It is glaringly evident that the journalism profession is descending into a deep valley, grappling with the proliferation of fake journalists and quacks who are tarnishing the noble profession, especially in this era of free social media access for all. These impostors frequent high-profile events, exploiting their way past security checks to constitute a nuisance. Their antics not only undermine the credibility of genuine media practitioners but also compromise the integrity of the profession as a whole.
The menace of fake journalists is real, with recent cases of impersonation and extortion highlighting the need for urgent action. A case in point is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recent arrest of a fake journalist, Ernesto Chukwudum Chukwukamma, for alleged extortion and impersonation. This incident underscores the imperative of separating genuine journalists from impostors and ensuring that only genuine professionals cover events and report stories.
“A free press is essential to a democratic society, but it is equally important to ensure that those who claim to represent the press are genuine and professional.” The above remark resonates deeply in the current context, where the line between genuine journalists and impostors is increasingly blurred. It is crucial that we take concrete steps to address this issue and restore the dignity and credibility of the journalism profession. Indeed, even genuine journalists who compromise their professionalism risk being lumped together with fake journalists.
Yes, you can read the above line of sentence again and again and have it ingrained in your memory. Your own conduct as a professional media practitioner counts as well!
In light of this menace, it is imperative that the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) urgently inaugurates a task force to tackle the issue and launch a nationwide campaign against this phenomenon. This task force should work closely with relevant agencies, including security organizations, media outlets, and independent media practitioners’ associations, to identify and apprehend fake journalists for appropriate legal action. This much desired measure can help promote professionalism and integrity in the journalism profession.
Journalism is a noble profession that requires passion, dedication, and a commitment to ethics and standards. While journalists need to earn a living, their primary focus should be on telling stories that matter, recognizing their role as the fourth estate of the realm, not just accumulating wealth. The commercialization of journalism has led to a situation where some journalists prioritize money over professionalism, compromising ethics and standards in the process. As the saying goes, “Journalism is a profession that demands sacrifice, not just financial reward.” Some journalists deliberately ignore human-interest stories because they feel there is no money to be made covering such stories.
The importance of clear identification cannot be overstated. Genuine journalists must identify themselves at events, and freelancers who operate responsibly should be allowed to cover stories as long as they clearly identify themselves and do not impersonate others. Touts who often hijack interviews and act irresponsibly during and after interviews should be identified and properly sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others. This approach will help verify credentials, core professionals, promote transparency, and separate impostors from genuine journalists.
We have all witnessed instances where touts and fake journalists overpower genuine journalists at events, hijacking interviews and acting irresponsibly. This behavior not only undermines the credibility of real journalists but also tarnishes the profession as a whole. If we are truly gentlemen of the press, we should conduct ourselves with integrity and professionalism. As journalists, we must learn the habit of delayed gratification and not tie everything to money. While financial compensation is necessary where needs be to defray some certain genuine costs, our primary focus should be on telling stories that matter. There’s a distinction between editorial coverage and paid publicity. Where there is a need for image making, publicity, advertorial, and branding, special features, or pure commercials, payment is expected. However, as earlier stated, genuine journalism should prioritize storytelling over financial gain.
In the social media age, anyone can become an instant reporter lately, but this has also led to the proliferation of fake news spreaders and blackmailers. It is essential to distinguish between genuine journalists and social media enthusiasts who may not adhere to professional standards. By promoting a culture of professionalism and integrity, we can ensure that the journalism profession continues to play its vital role in shaping public discourse and holding those in power accountable.
Ultimately, the journalism profession must take urgent action to tackle the menace of fake journalists and promote professionalism and integrity. If we are determined to work together, we can restore the dignity and credibility of the profession and ensure that genuine journalists are allowed to cover events and tell stories without interference from impostors and touts.
The time for action is now. We must work together to create an environment where genuine journalists can thrive, and fake journalists are held accountable for their actions! This requires a collective effort from journalists, media organizations, and regulatory bodies. We can still rebuild trust in the journalism profession and ensure that it continues to serve the public interest.
*Ozalla is the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Newscount...
