Stop relying on social media for news, NBC warns journalists

The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission has warned journalists in the country against reliance on news obtained from the social media.
NBC Zonal Director in Ibadan, Raphael Akpan, gave the warning on Wednesday in Ibadan at a press conference to herald the sixth edition of the NBC/Yemi Sonde Broadcast Media Stakeholders Forum.
Akpan, who lamented the proliferation of fake news and hate speeches in the social media, said the sources needed to be verified.
He said: “Don’t limit your sources of information to the social media because not all the information is authentic.
“Most media house gatekeepers don’t do their work well; NBC will not allow the public to be fed with fake news.
“We will not hesitate to sanction any medium that goes against the ethics of the media profession.”
In his remarks, the CEO of YES media, Yemi Sonde, emphasised the need for employment and training of media professionals in order to tackle fake news.
Sonde said many were entering the profession without training and mentoring while most media outfits do not want to employ professionals because of cost.
He also called on broadcast outfits not to see NBC as an enemy while performing its regulatory role.
Sonde said that he was concerned about quality content, adding that this informed his partnership with NBC.
He said:  “If we don’t do it now, the next generation would not forgive us.”