Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Ghenga Ibileye has identified sensationalism, bias reporting and the spread of misinformation as some of the banes of journalism profession in Nigeria.

Ibileye disclosed this on Wednesday when he presented a paper titled “the media as the fourth estate of the realm: fact or fiction” at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), triennial delegate conference held in Lokoja

The University Don lamented that the ethical standards of journalism profession has been sacrificed on the altar of fake news which has continued to caus havoc for Nigeria as a nation.

According to him, some media practitioners have descent into fiction rather than, the objective representation of facts and reality.

His words”the advent of social media has further complicated the issues, where anybody who has access to computer, mobile device and the internet and who can type any passable English, would call themselves journalists or media practitioners.

“This has led to some dangerous implications namely the compromise of professional quality in terms of ethics of the profession, objectivity, and fairness. Regrettably, the ethical standards that guide the conduct of the profession are now sacrificed on the altar of the rise of sensationalism, biased reporting, and the spread of misinformation through various online platform.

“This has also fuelled scepticism about the media’s ability to fulfil it’s fourth estate responsibilities. The advent of “fake news” agenda-driven reporting, and the blurring of lines between news and opinion has raised doubts about the media’s commitment to presenting facts rather than fuelling fiction without the principles of verifiability and reliability of their resources.

He argued further that the fundamental challenges facing the media as the Fourth Estate is the increasing polarization of public discourse.

According to him,”In an era marked by echo chambers, algorithm driven content consumption, and the influence of partisan media outlets, the media’s role in fostering informed debate and facilitating a shared understanding of societal issues has come under scrutiny.

“Rather than serving as a unifying force, the media has been accused of exacerbating divisions and cultivating an environment where conflicting narratives and opinions lead to fragmentation rather than consensus.

“Also, the commercialization of the media industry has raised questions about the extent to which profit motives influence editorial decisions and the prioritization of sensationalism over substance. The pursuit of higher ratings and readership, coupled with the pressures of 24-hour news cycles, has led to a focus on clicks worthy headlines and attention grabbing content, often at the expense of nuanced analysis and investigative reporting”.

He said that, the media industry must prioritize transparency, accuracy, and a commitment to public interest in fulfilling it’s role as the fourth estate of the realm.

“While concerns about misinformation and partisan reporting abound, the media’s capacity to inform, scrutinize power and facilitate public discourse should not be underestimated.

“The evolution of mass media presents both challenges and opportunities, and the preservation of the Fourth Estate depends on a concerted effort to prioritize factual reporting over fiction-inducing content. As we navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape, the enduring ideals of truths, accountability and public service must guide the media’s pursuit of it’s fourth estate responsibilities” he added