From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has called on governments and citizens to make commitments towards the defence of journalism and journalists from attacks as the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day.
Communications Officer of the Foundation, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, in a statement, said the theme of the celebration: “Journalism under digital siege,” highlights the challenges of contemporary media practice in an era of digital technology.
According to him, GJF noted that despite the obvious benefits associated with digital technology in the society, it has exposed citizens to new forms of tyranny and violence.
It, therefore, called on stakeholders to defend journalism from all forms of repression and urged media professionals to uphold media ethics in the discharge of their duties and ensure information is used for public good at all times.
“On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2022, GJF celebrates Nigerian journalists and other media stakeholders across Africa who bear the burden of information dissemination and continue to use information as a means to promote good governance and accountability in our nations.
“The theme for this year: ‘Journalism under digital siege’, highlights the challenges of contemporary media practice in this era of digital technology; which has created new forms of tyranny and theatres of violence and in our nations.
“Digital technology, despite its benefit of democratising access to information, has also exposed citizens to undue violence and unwarranted censorship by state and non-state actors.
“As we celebrate, we call on governments and citizens to defend journalism against attacks as well as commit to protecting journalism and journalists from all threats in our societies. We also urge media professionals to live up to their responsibilities; uphold media ethics and ensure information is used for public good at all times,” GJF said in the statement.