Veteran Egyptian Journalist tells media to respect national security
Veteran Egyptian broadcast Journalist, Mr. Nabil Negmeldin says the media should not sacrifice national security for ‘attractive’ stories.
Negmeldin said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the celebration of the United Nation World Television day. It was organised by the Mass Communication Department of Nile University of Nigeria with the theme; ‘The Role of the Media in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence.’
Viewing contents carefully
The ace broadcaster said the media must view contents with critical lenses and also ensure that the multicultural sanctity of societies is respected.
He said if journalism is practiced with high sense of ethic then the world would be a better place irrespective of religion, race or creed.
”The Media and journalists in particular must view news content with critical lenses and also ensure that the muliti-cultural sanctity of societies are well respected.
Journalism practice with a high sense of ethics can foster peace in the society irrespective of creed, religion and race,’’ he said.
Ethics of the profession
Negmeldin emphasised that ethics of the profession must be upheld to the latter and advised Africa to regulate how much they rely on foreign media contents.
According to him, ”Over reliance on foreign media content can be harmful to Africa’s peace and development. Africa can afford to float a satellite Television channel to focus on coverage of Africa.’’
Another paper presenter, Mrs Athsma Al Husainy stated that the media must play the role of keeping people and communities together. She said God created humanity with diversity for a purpose.
”People have the right to differ in opinion and other beliefs and such boundaries must be respected,” she said.
In cautioning the media, Mrs Al Husainy gave examples of the damaging effect the media caused in Rwanda in 1994 genocide where about 800,000 people died within days as well as how the media instigated the south Sudan cessation from the North.
Peace building pillar
Vice Chancellor of the Nile University of Nigeria, Professor Nurretin CAN said the media is a pillar in peace building and must rise to the occasion now that the world needs peace urgently.
The Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Mohammed Yusuf believes that the media has serious impact in every society.
To him, Journalism is beyond just telling stories but more about making the stories to change the world positively. He also said the world TV day connotes freedom in every sense of the word.
