The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Ondo-based online newspaper – The Precision NG, Olusegun Hakeem Adebumiti, says Adeyemi College of Education Ondo is ripe for a community FM station.
Adebumiti made the observation while speaking at the maiden media conference organised by the information unit of the Students Union Government of the College.
He said what Adeyemi College has achieved over the years is enough template for the establishment of an FM station.
“I understand you have a very viable campus journalism setting as evidenced in the Arbico FM. As someone who is conversant with the College community, I always enjoy the station while passing through the College in the evening. The little you are doing at the makeshift FM station is legendary and I would want to appeal to the Provost, Dr Samuel Akintunde and the management to work towards having a radio license from the National Broadcasting Commission to start a full-fledged Community Radio,” he said.
The Precision Publisher described campus journalism as an interesting field which would help the College and the community to manage information flow among the staff and the students, adding the media conference would serve as an Eye-opener for the students.
“So it is a thing of joy that this media conference is being organised to re-enact the spirit of Campus journalism at the College. Some of the notable reporters in Ondo State and beyond that are product of Campus journalism are Shola Ilesanmi of OSRC fame now with the BBC; Richard Ilesanmi who is reporter with OSRC; Ridwan Ajetunmobi who took over the Editorship of “The Nation CampusLife” after the demise of Ngozi Agbo is now a media aide to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I am bringing this up for you to admire what you have at hand.”
He decried the use of social media as an avenue for promoting fake news but said they are good tools for journalists to use particularly the young ones who are agile and technological savvy and are just trying to make their marks in the profession.
“Today we have a lot of people manipulating news stories in order to favour their interests. Fake news has become the new propaganda mechanism available for the manipulation of the people. Politicians are more culpable here. Take note that fake news are mostly spread during violence, political campaigns and recently it became a more potent tool for secessionists and dissident groups in Nigeria.
“Twitter for instance has been helpful when it comes to breaking news. Due to its limited number of words per post, most of the news media outlets prefer to use it for informing the public about developing stories. So for a journalist that knows the importance of following the news and being ahead of others, following these media houses for news updates on these social media sites is important.”
He recommended the use of Google search engine, TinEye and InVid as some of the tools that could be used to checkmate fake news. He added that there are some Fact-checking sites like Dubawa, India Today Group Fact Check, AFP’s FactStory and PremiumTimes that are readily available to fact check a news item or story.
“Let me share my personal experience with you. I recently came across a video where suspected bandits were jubilating and shooting sporadically into the air. I sent the video to a WhatsApp group I belong and one person said they are civilian joint task force. Not satisfied, I sent the video to my few friends I know are connected on the social media and also sent it to Dubawa via WhatsApp. Though, Dubawa could not answer me on time due to their policy, I later got to know via the popular Journalists’ Hangout on TVC as the same video was shown to depict bandits. This is to tell you the extent to which you should go to verify news items. Sometimes you will have to call multiple sources to substantiate your story.”
Adebumiti said the way to checkmate fake news and irresponsible journalism is to think before you post.
“It sounds obvious, but be careful not to add to the problem of fake news. Before you post, ask yourself if you’re sure the information you’re about to post is real. Avoid casting sensational and misleading headlines. Aspiring journalists must ensure that their stories are a reflection of truth, factuality and objectivity.”
He appreciated the management of Adeyemi College of Education for supporting such media conference while tasking the students to take advantage of the present support being enjoyed from the College’s leadership.
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