Ethics Differentiate Journalist From Blogger – AAUA NUCJ President

By: Araba Ademayowa 

The President of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko(AAUA), Ondo State, Friday Omosola, has emphasized the need for campus journalists to uphold the ethics of journalism.

Friday stated that the only way to differentiate journalists from bloggers is ethics, hence campus journalists must familiarize themselves with it.

He said journalists relay news with facts, evidence of truth, and unbiased but bloggers are careless of them.

Friday who doubled as the Editor-in-chief of Echo Media disclosed this at the training for the newly recruited members of the Union yesterday held at SOMASSA LTA4.

He added that the profession goes beyond being the first to break stories but fact-checking and proofreading for errors to bring forth the truth behind every story.

"Journalism is not "one" pperson's works, it must pass through a process called gatekeeping which involved; reporters, desk editors, proofreaders, editors-in-chief, publishers, and others.

"A blogger will write, edit, proofread, and publish, then call him/herself a journalist. No he/she is not."

He further stated that the ethics of journalism, which are, truthfulness and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity, and accountability among others.

He said without upholding ethics true journalism will be lost because a journalist who relays information that lacks the truth and is biased can not be regarded as one.

He, however, implored the new members to ensure they befriend the ethics of journalism wherever they find themselves practicing. 

He further emphasized the need for journalists to minimize harm in their reports. 

"If you know disclosing the name of your interviewees will cause attacks on him or his families, please don't disclose. or better still make use of anonymity to avoid endangering him.'"

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