Journalists Advised To Write Quality, In-depth Stories

The Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan- Atlantic University, Lagos , Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya , has emphasized on the lack of depth as one of the major lapses journalists should strive to address in their reports.

Speaking during  the presentation of certificates to 20 journalists from the print and broadcast media trained in Solutions and Data Journalism by the school, the media pro advised  journalists to write quality stories that create lasting impact on society.

The dean noted that the programme was  to produce competent professionals who would contribute to improving society.

Obiaya said reporters needed to find more information on press releases in order to satisfy the readers rather than merely reproducing the statements .

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He said, “ One of the key things we have seen is that many times there is lack of depth to stories. Stories are not followed through and many times the reader is left asking why . That is something this programme tried to deal with . Many times, it is a problem of rigour .”

The scholar urged journalists to go for constant and quality training to meet the needs of the profession.

He added , “We need to look at the kind of training journalists have been given . Journalism is a field that everybody thinks they can be a journalist and everybody jumps right there whether they have been trained or not .

“ It is a fantastic field, people have flare for it but there should be continuing education . We are all influenced by the media . So , if those in the media are not well- formed or have negative agenda , then we are all in trouble .”