By Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi Special Adviser to Bauchi state Governor on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado has obser...
By Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
Special Adviser to Bauchi state Governor on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado has observed that one of the most significant shifts in journalism today is the rise of digital media, as social media and independent platforms now play a crucial role in shaping public discourse.
Comrade Mukhtar Gidado at a training workshop organized Thursday by the Bauchi correspondents' chapel for its members at Yankari Resort & Safari, aexplained that news is therefore no longer confined to newspapers, radio, and television, saying the speed at which information spreads has increased, and with it, the challenge of misinformation and fake news, looks uncontrollable.
Gidado, however said that it is our responsibility of journalists to uphold accuracy, credibility, and ethical reporting amidst this digital revolution.
He spoke about the Artificial intelligence (AI) which is reshaping the way news is gathered, analyzed, and disseminated, saying Al-powered tools can generate reports, analyze trends, and even predict breaking AT news patterns.
The Adviser noted that while all can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the core values of journalism-human judgment, investigative skills, and ethical considerations, hence journalists must adapt by integrating all, while maintaining the essence of responsible reporting.
"Despite technological advancements, the need for investigative journalism remains as critical as ever. In an era where misinformation can go viral within minutes, journalists must be more vigilant in verifying facts, cross-checking sources, and holding power to account", Gidado said.
According to him, the integrity of journalism depends on how well practitioners uphold the truth in an age of misinformation, pointing out that the emerging trend is the shift toward journalists becoming personal brands.
He further explained that with social media platforms providing direct access to audiences, journalists are no longer just reporters, but they are also influencers and thought leaders, thus bringing both responsibility and challenges.
Gidado noted that digital age presents immense opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact, as it also requires journalists to be more vigilant, adaptable, and ethical, reminding that while technology may evolve, the principles of journalism is truth, fairness, and constant responsibility.
Earlier while welcoming participants to the working, Bauchi state chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel of Nigeria Union of journalists, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed noted that it is an era of Al, Multimedia and data journalism, not the era of traditional system of communication.
To this end, the chairman emphasized the need for media practitioners to confirm with the modern trends of adopting Multimedia, data journalism while taking into cognisance the era of AI practicing, taking a cue into investigative aspect of the profession.
Alh. Ahmed Mohammed explained that the training workshop is bone out of the chapel need to update the knowledge of its members, training and retraining in comformity with the global, but modern trends.
"The future of journalism lies in its ability to adapt while maintaining its fundamental principles. As we discuss and learn from one another during this workshop, I encourage you all to embrace innovation while ensuring that integrity remains at the heart of your profession," he conducted.
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