The place of ethics and innovation in media practice were the focus of a One-Day Empowerment Series organised by the Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria, ACSPN held at Igbariam Campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU.
The event which attracted media Practitioners, the academia and student journalists featured thought provoking lectures, question and answer sessions, with award presentation.
In his opening remark, the State Chairman of ACSPN, Dr Gideon Nwafor paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, COOU, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha for her support to the association, while appreciating the Immediate Past Chairman of the association, Mrs Ify Obi for her encouragement and advice.
According to Dr. Nwafor, the event themed “Ethics and Innovation in Contemporary Journalism! Navigating Election Coverage and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the AI Era” was critical especially now that Anambra State is about to hold a gubernatorial election.
In a remark, the Immediate Past Chairman of ACSPN, Mrs Obi explained that ACSPN is a union of both communication scholars and professionals in a town and gown relationship, where they can cross fertilize ideas for a better journalism practice, urging the students to embrace the association to enjoy journalism practice.
Delivering a lecture on “Journalistic Responses to Ethical Issues in Election Coverage: The Case of 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State”, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Christopher Molokwu noted that electioneering campaigns are characterized by suppression and intimidation of certain groups but the onus is on the journalists to ensure that they balance their reports.
Mr. Molokwu who is the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Awka explained that stories should be complete to avoid rumours, and in rushing to break the news, accuracy should be key to avoid the need to retract your stories when the facts are not complete or when the story is damaging, leading to loss of credibility.
While highlighting the core ethics of journalism practice, Mr. Molokwu stressed that journalists should also be mindful of their safety while discharging their duties pointing out that many journalists have been maimed or killed across Nigeria, yet their job is like that of a messenger whose duty is to deliver a message.
On the issue of misinformation and sensationalism found in the media space, he reiterated the importance of truthful and objective reporting without blowing stories over board, which could create a false situation in the society.
In another lecture on ‘Entrepreneurial Journalism in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Turning Communication Skills into Successful Ventures” by Dr. Adaobi Okeke of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka who harped on the need to master the foundational skills in journalism to flourish in journalism enterprise with the use of AI tools.
In a vote of thanks, the Manager News and Current Affairs, NTA Awka, Mrs Chinyere Fessy-Okoye appreciated the participants for coming and enjoined the students to maximize the opportunity offered by ACSPN.
