By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Taraba Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas on Friday called on journalists in the country to maximise the use of digital technology to enhance efficiency of their jobs in a fast changing media landscape.
Kefas made the call while declaring open, the 2024 News Summit of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), in Jalingo.
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, the Governor noted that journalists need to embrace the opportunities presented by the rapid technological advancements and social media to enhance efficiency in news and information dissemination.
“As we navigate an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting audience expectations, and evolving journalistic practices, the role of news production has never been more crucial.
“Journalists are called, not only to reflect on these changes, but also to embrace the opportunities presented by these technologies.
“Let me also say that journalists must continue to uphold the principles of truth, accuracy, balance and fairness, which have made the profession a unique one.
“The theme of the summit “News Production in a Transitional Media Landscape” is coming at a pivotal time in the nation’s history because today the media landscape is vastly different from what it was just a decade ago as a result of the rise of digital platforms which has redefined how news is gathered, reported, and consumed,” he said.
Kefas said his administration understood the role of the media in strengthening democracy and good governance and was committed to supporting initiatives that would foster a robust, independent, and responsible press.
Earlier, the Director General of the FRCN Dr Mohammed Bulama, said FRCN, under his leadership, would work relentlessly to reposition the organization.
“During my speech the day I took over office nine months ago, I promised a relentless efforts to reposition FRCN by improving its content and deploying cutting edge technology in its operations.
“This is part of what we are talking about today. the monumental role of technology in reshaping news production, the rise of digital platforms, which has democratized information dissemination, allowing stories to reach audiences instantly and across the globe.
“Our duty as news producers of a public broadcaster like Radio Nigeria is not merely to be fast, but to be precise, responsible, credible and ethical in our reporting,” he said.
Bulama thanked the Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas and the Commissioner for Information and Re-Orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo for their support in bringing the summit to Jalingo and urged participants to make the best of the opportunity presented by the summit.
