Academic Cautions Journalists to Exercise Reportorial Restraint in Critical Times

A leading academic, Professor Muyiwa Popoola has cautioned Nigerian journalists to exercise restraint and adhere to strict professional guidelines in their reporting, particularly as the country approaches a critical election period.

Professor Popoola who is Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, emphasized the vital role the media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing the democratic process.

In a keynote address, Popoola underscored the importance of responsible journalism, highlighting the need for media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting.

He warned that sensational or inflammatory reporting can exacerbate social tensions and undermine the country’s fragile democratic institutions.

The professor of communication and media studies urged journalists to adopt a nuanced approach to reporting on political conflicts, avoiding biased or partisan coverage that can fan the flames of discord.

Instead, he advocated for a more measured and thoughtful approach, one that promotes democratic values and respects the diversity of opinions and perspectives.

As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, Popoola cautioned that the media has a critical role to play in promoting stability and preventing the erosion of democratic gains.

He emphasized the importance of a free and independent press, noting that any attempts to restrict press freedom can have far-reaching consequences for the health of democracy.

Popoola also identified several challenges facing the journalism profession, including the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and biased reporting.

He attributed these problems to a range of factors, including political interference, personal biases, and a lack of accountability.

To address these challenges, he called on journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and fairness in their work, recognizing that the public’s trust in the media is essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy.

Ultimately, Popoola’s message was one of caution and urgency, highlighting the need for Nigerian journalists to exercise restraint and responsibility in their reporting, particularly during this critical period in the country’s history.

By doing so, he argued, the media can play a constructive role in promoting democratic values, preventing conflict, and advancing the country’s development.