Delta Information Commissioner Urges Media to Prioritize Objectivity, Ethical Reporting

Delta State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, has called on media practitioners to focus on objective and critical assessments of government policies rather than engaging in propaganda or spreading misleading half-truths.

He made this appeal on Tuesday during a media training session organized by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) at the state Ministry of Information’s conference room.

In his remarks, Dr. Osuoza, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, emphasized the importance of allowing government officials to contribute to reports that concern state policies and activities.

He urged the members of the forum to work collaboratively with ministry representatives to ensure that government actions are accurately portrayed.

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“We appreciate the role of the forum in informing the public about the activities of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

“However, it is crucial that online publishers adhere to ethical journalism practices and avoid the use of propaganda or deceptive narratives that could mislead the public,”Dr. Osuoza said.

The commissioner further commended the forum for its willingness to highlight the administration’s programs, adding that the government of Sheriff Oborevwori values quality journalism that upholds global best practices.

He specifically warned against the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate cut-and-paste content that lacks originality and ethical grounding.

Dr. Osuoza also noted that the theme of the training session, “SEO, AI and Security in Online News Publishing: A Swiss Knife for Online Publishers,” was timely and relevant given the rapid developments in the field of online journalism.

He stressed that mastering tools like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and AI is essential for enhancing content visibility and clarity, especially in today’s digital media landscape.

While acknowledging the benefits of online journalism, the commissioner expressed concern over the rising prevalence of libelous content and the deliberate manipulation of news narratives.

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He lamented the growing trend of some online publishers engaging in blackmail and persecution of public figures through sensationalized and unverified stories.

“The harmful practice of manipulating narratives to sway public opinion and present allegations as truths is an unethical breach of journalistic standards,” Dr. Osuoza asserted.

He called on the leadership of the DOPF to take firm action against members who engage in unprofessional practices, including yellow journalism and political propaganda.

The training session, which featured expert guidance on the application of SEO and the ethical use of AI tools, was conducted by Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, a respected publisher with Quick News Africa.

Dr. Ashibogwu also shared insights on how online publishers can enhance the quality and visibility of their content, while adhering to ethical standards.