The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has cautioned social media users on the dissemination of fake news which endanger journalism practice and it’s consequences on public trust.
This is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Samuel Numonengi and Secretary Comrade Ogio Ipigansi in commemoration of world press freedom day.
They noted that fake news is capable of damaging any democratic process and cause harm to enormous part of public safety as well as mistrust amongst the citizenry.
The statement added that the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day “Journalism Under Digital Siege” not only highlights the ways fake news endanger journalism practice but also the consequences of public trust over digital communications
The statement notes that World Press Freedom Day is a day for media workers to reflect on issues of press freedom and ethical standards and a day to demonstrate support for Journalists and others in media who work tirelessly to distribute information and bring news from across the world to people’s homes.