By Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard says there is a dire need for the defense and protection of press freedom and the perseverance of Nigeria’s democracy as the only way to restore public confidence in democracy is through a free and fair election.
The US Ambassador who was speaking while declaring open a 3-day US sponsored Town Hall Meeting by the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Abuja, said, there is a significant positive multiplier effect when journalists do the right thing or take a well documented, pioneering approach and as such, urged them to delve deeper into underlying factors that erode faith in democracy.
According to her, all share a role and responsibility in promoting transparency and accountability, inclusivity and equity, rule of law and fundamental freedom which must be considered while writing, broadcasting or publishing for one’s contribution to democracy to be profound.
She reminded Editors that they serve the interests of the voting public and play a vital role in shaping perceptions about those in the helm of affairs and even those aspiring to lead in the future and must therefore, play the role thoughtfully, impartially and accurately.
For a Senior Editor at the Washington Examiner, Mark David, free press coverage is crucial for a successful democracy as it provides the public the tools to make crucial decisions about their country’s governance.
He admitted that there are many challenges the Nigerian journalists face, but urged them to be audacious, ask the right questions and not just take everything given to them at face but should do their own Independent research to get the true situation of things especially from those in public offices.
The Senior Editor, cautioned that agenda setting could be tricky and can turn into “agenda” journalism, which becomes advocacy, rather than just reporting the news and giving the public information it needs to know.
