The inaugural event in a series of activities, the Media Viability Talks held over the weekend, emphasized the crucial role of professional journalists in countering fake news. It was stressed that journalists must not only maintain high professional standards but also promote media literacy among the public.
However, the advent of new media, including various social media platforms, has presented challenges in combating misinformation, especially given the pressure for swift information delivery at the expense of accuracy.
Christine Mawadre, the Head of Business at NRG Radio, emphasized the need for mainstream media to understand and adapt to the changes brought about by new media. She suggested that fostering a culture that bridges the gap between digital and traditional journalism structures is essential for the evolution of newsrooms.
Mawadre highlighted the importance of newsroom management, saying, “We need to revisit our newsroom structures, empower our teams, and address the impact of social media. How can we ensure that our reporters stand out from citizen journalists and produce news that distinguishes us?”
In the past, mainstream media was the primary and trusted source of news, despite its slower delivery compared to the instant nature of digital media. Technological advancements have now opened the floodgates of unfiltered information.
In this digital age, media professionals are tasked with the responsibility of verifying every piece of information before sharing it online. The concept of information integrity, which involves critically analysing information and asking the right questions, has never been more critical.
George Lugalambi of the African Center for Media Excellence stressed that achieving information integrity is not solely the responsibility of citizens and audiences. Instead, it involves changing the game by equipping the public with the right tools to combat misinformation.
Simon Kakooza, co-founder of MCI, emphasized the public’s reliance on the media for credible information. Journalists must be equipped with the skills to promote information integrity. The MCI’s media literacy project will focus on fact-checking skills and host public conversations about misinformation to ensure timely and accurate information for both aspiring journalists and the public.
Ambassador Popp William highlighted the importance of distinguishing between genuine information and falsehood in a data-saturated world. He underscored that journalists play a crucial role in maintaining a free, fair, and responsible media, which is fundamental for a thriving democracy.
Dr. John Baptist Omokola, an assistant lecturer at Makerere University, emphasized the need for continuous improvement in journalism education. He noted that educators must adapt to the new dynamics of digital media to prepare journalists effectively.
As part of the project, the MCI has developed an application to debunk fake information, which is set to be officially launched next year.
