21st Century Journalism: Expert says social media has automatically digitalized the practice of Journalism.
Lucky Akra, Lagos.
Social Media has been described as a game changer,revolutionary and liberaliser of journalism practice around the globe in the 21st Century.
According to the lecture delivered by Comrade Ismail Aniemu during the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria ( AMJON) Exco Retreat on Wednesday at Rockview hotel Apapa Lagos State stated that while social media practice has its low side like dissemination of fake news, it has digitalized the practice of journalism either as a career or pastime hobby.
The retreat which was with the theme ” Understanding the Customs Modernization Project” was a train the trainer event, to equip participants with the knowledge and benefits of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) e-Customs/ modernization project embarked upon by the Service.
In the lecture titled, “Role of Social Media in Journalism Practice”, Aniemu noted that the “advent of social media in our world has made it more easier for anyone to become a reporter at anytime from anywhere and making wide impact”.
He insisted that, it no longer a matter of whether persons reporting are trained in journalism practice or not.
He pointed out that social media has taken journalism into the street.”Everywhere is a newsroom, everyone given the opportunity to own a Smart phone is today a reporter, editor and publishers,Journalist have to break boundaries in their field or win major accolades to have good reputation.
The Maritime resource person also highlighted the challenges social media could pose for quakes in journalism practice such as fake news, unethical practices, mob journalism and regulatory impediments.
He pointed out the challenges of social media to include cyber crime offenses when a fake practitioner is caught maligning innocent people which attracts maximum of two years jail term or two million Naira or both.
The event was chaired by Comptroller Kunle Oloyede of the Tin Can Island Customs Command represented by DC Enforcement.
Other dignitaries present are Deputy Comptroller GI Aliyu , Acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto Collins Phd, DC Administration at Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, Deputy Comptroller, AG Ali.
