AMDF Hosts Second Edition of ‘Editors Workroom’ in Kaduna
By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna
A Non Governmental Organization, Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), on Thursday hosted news editors from various media organizations in Kaduna state to the second edition her ‘editors workroom’.
The workroom according to one of the paper presenters, Edegbo Joseph, will be used as a design for media organizations in the reportage of the 2019 general elections.
He said the idea is to project issues of elections from Kaduna to the rest of the country to help the media and the public in looking closely at how best to minimize reportage that can engender violence.
Edegbo, therefore charged editors not to neglect honesty, neutrality and fairness in editing election reports because they are very crucial tools that when neglected, may turn the country into anarchy and chaos.
“We must learn to use tempered languages in writing stories of people who are making hate speeches in the interest of peace. Editors are duty bound to report responses and follow ups to previously published stories.” He added.
Equipping the editors with reporting tips for safe election coverage, Executive Director of AMDF, Iliya Kure, advised that it is important for journalists to research the political, racial, religious or other conflicts that exist within their areas of assignment.
According to him, “be aware of local laws and know your rights as a journalist. Notify your colleagues or editors if you believe you may be under surveillance, examine the location of polling stations in advance and know exits from buildings/ways to leave areas of unrest and also location of hospital and police stations.”
On her part, Sekyen Dadik, Coordinator of AMDF, urged the editors to go back to their various organizations to stepdown the training for the benefit of their field reporters who will be on ground during the elections.
She thanked participants for turning up in their numbers despite their busy schedules, saying, “we appreciate everyone of you for turning up despite your tight schedules, editors are very busy people are always putting together all what the reporters are bringing from the field.
“This is why we chosen to bring you here today for this interaction, and we hope that next time you will honour our invitation if we call again.”
