In commemoration of World Radio Day, the American Spaces Nigeria and United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria via the Education Sector of US Consulate General Lagos organised a free training workshop for journalists across Nigeria.
The training workshop held on February 12, 2024, was tagged “New tools and Techniques for combating Misinformation and Disinformation.”
In the opening remarks, a Director at the US Consulate, Matthew Spiegler noted that the workshop was “intended to demonstrate the United State Government commitment to upholding the principles of freedom of speech and accountability in public discussion.”
Spiegler said, “Journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, fostering civil engagement and holding those in power accountable.
“Journalists have immense influence over governance and the well-being of the society and it is imperative that you are equipped with tools and techniques to navigate the modern media landscape to discern truth from lies.”
He further said that, “the workshop represents a really important step in the ongoing battle for truth and transparency in the digital age.
“We hope the workshop will help you use the tools and skills to confront the scourge of misinformation head on.”
Also, Spiegler explained that the commemoration is to “raise awareness on the importance of radio to encourage international cooperation in the field of broadcasting and to promote access to information through this widespread medium.”
He said, “We are commemorating World Radio Day! to recognise the endearing power and influence of the Radio as a medium of communication.
“To this day, Radio serves as a platform of raising awareness across the globe.
“It serves as a catalogue for social change, empowering voices, and promoting inclusivity.
“And on this day, let us take a moment to recognise the endearing influence of Radio, dedicated professionals that work in the medium, who work tirelessly to bring us the latest news, captivating stories and other engaging contents.
“So Happy World Radio Day! Tune in, listen and let radio continue to inspire, unite and inform us.”
Nigeria Editor, AFRICA CHECK C.I.C, David Oluwamayowa Ajikobi, was the resource person for the workshop.
Ajikobi emphasized that journalists are expected, supposed to fact-check every story or reports made available to them or source by themselves, stressing that “people need access to accurate information to make well-informed decisions.”
He gave several illustrations on how to decipher reports that can misinform or disinform the society.
“Disinformation is false or misleading information that is created and spread ‘deliberately’ to deceive.
“The spread of false information could be unintentional. the term misinformation is used in this sense,” he noted.
Ajikobi trained the journalists present at the training, online and present, on the new tools available to fact check every story, reports, research, analysis, events among others.
Journalists who are beneficiary of the initiative commended the brain behind the training workshop with assurance to put the new knowledge into good use in their daily practices.
