By Obiabin Onukwugha
A non-governmental organisation, Media Rights Agenda, has organised a two-days training/working for journalists on laws and regulations affecting the media in Nigeria.
The workshop, which is being held at the Bridge Waters Hotel, Enugu, in Enugu State, organised by the Media Rights Agenda with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project.
In his remarks at the opening session on Wednesday, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edetaen Ojo, stated that the project is a multi-level intervention that supports media independence, improved transparency, accountability, and good governance at federal, states and local government levels.
The MRA executive director pointed out that journalists play a vital role in informing the public, holding those in power accountable, and in strengthening our democracy, thus the need for them to adequately arm theemselves with the relevant laws.
“Performing these roles and doing so effectively often do not win you a lot of affection or make you popular. On the contrary, they bring you into confrontation with the rich and powerful, many of whom would do just about anything to prevent you from telling your story,” he said.
Ojo emphasised that the media landscape is rapidly evolving, not just in Nigeria but around the world, and that Nigeria is witnessing a relentless and ever increasing onslaught on journalists and the media, in many cases, through the misuse and abuse of the Law.
In performing these critical functions, therefore, Ojo pointed out that journslists will frequently find themselves navigating complex legal environments and issues, ranging from using the Freedom of Information Act to seek and obtain information, to defending yourself or your media organizations against defamation lawsuits.
“Your ability to do your job as a journalist therefore depends not only on your storytelling skills and abilities but also on your knowledge and understanding of the law, especially those that affect the media.
“Knowing the law helps to protect you as a journalist from legal risks. Being well-informed about these legal boundaries can help you as a journalist to avoid unnecessary brushes with the law, thereby allowing you to carry out your duties safely and confidently.
“In addition, familiarity with the laws and regulations affecting journalists and the media empowers you to better protect yourself and your sources. Laws around confidential sources, whistleblowers, and data protection can be tricky. Understanding these issues ensures that you can safeguard the people you frequently rely on for stories, and protect their identities, when necessary, as well as maintain your own credibility and integrity.
“Also, knowing the laws enables you as journalists to advocate for media freedom and challenge unjust laws and regulations which restrict your rights and freedoms. Journalists who are aware of their legal rights can push back against censorship, demand access to information from public institutions and other entities or officials that are bound by the Freedom of Information Act. It can also empower you to resist intimidation from those who would either abuse the law to get at you or even those who would seek to use the law legitimately to prevent you from doing your job,” he stated.
The MRA executive director thanked the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) for sponsoring the workshop and expressed optimism that it will impact on participants in carrying out their jobs.