the importance of facts in their news
reports. Conducted by David Ajikobi
of Africa Check, they were trained on
how to check information they receive,
to verify sources, distinguish fact
from fake news, verify authenticity
of websites and identify sources of
images.
At the confl ict sensitive reporting
workshop, the participants were
mainly drawn from the parts of
Nigeria that have witnessed the most
serious confl icts in recent times, e.g.
the Northeast and North-Central
states. The trainers from PeaceTech
Lab emphasized that the media must
go beyond just reporting to investigate
the underlying causes of confl ict. They
were also encouraged to avoid bias and
dehumanizing people in their reports.
The focus of reporting here should be
about helping people understand the
issues that drive confl ict which will
enable them to take positive action.
The three-day data journalism training
was conducted by representatives of
Code for Nigeria. The journalists were
given practical examples of how to
access data sources and how to utilize
the information to enrich their day to
day or investigative reporting. Relating
their personal experiences, the trainers
demonstrated how a simple story can
be turned into a compelling news item
by adding relevant data, whether the
stories concern budgets, elections, and
health or education issues.
American journalist and media trainer
Bill Hinchberger engaged senior
journalists in an advanced journalism
class. He reminded the participants
that the motto of the Boy Scout “Be
Prepared” should be that of every
journalist. He took them through
various aspects of journalism including
ethics, covering beats, conducting
interviews, writing and producing
stories.
Through the numerous trainings
the role of the media in promoting
democracy through fair and accurate
reporting was highlighted while the
need for journalists to maintain high
ethical standards was emphasized.
World Press
Freedom Day 2018
Every year, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria celebrates World Press Freedom Day.
This year, we hosted the visit of Paris-based journalist Linda Hervieux. She
addressed journalists, journalism faculty, and students on topics ranging from
investigative journalism to the threat of Fake News during her week in Abuja.
May 2
L-R: Head of
Department, Mass
Communication,
Baze University,
Dr Abiodun
Adeniyi,
Managing Editor
of Premium Times
Idris Akinbajo,
visiting speaker,
Linda Hervieux,
and Information
Offi cer, U.S.
Embassy, Russell
Brooks during a
panel discussion
in the embassy
May 3
Linda Hervieux
delivered a
lecture on ‘The
Role of the
Media in Keeping
Government
Accountable’ at
Nile University of
Nigeria, Abuja
May 5
At the 2018
Press Freedom
Awards of the
National Union of
Journalists, U.S.
Ambassador W.
Stuart Symington
reminded the
media that truth
and trust are
critical elements
in a democracy
CROSSROADS | May/June 2018
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