Journalists in Osun State have been charged on the need to verify the accuracy of information before disseminating it to the public.
The Head of Station, Rave Fm, Osogbo, Mr Femi Olanipekun gave the charge at a workshop organised by final year students of Fountain University for emerging journalists of the institution themed; Truth journalism: Unmasking the art of fact-checking.
Olanipekun noted that it was crucial for journalists to be able to identify credible news stories and sources.
According to him; “It is important to know the sources that are credible, organisations that are credible, institutions that are credible and please, do not rely on unverified or biased sources.
“Also evaluate the sources expertise, the reputation and potential biases which can be done through so many checks.”
Speaking further, Olanipekun noted that emerging journalists should make effective use of social media and fact-checking websites.
In his submission, the Assistant Investigations Editor, Hum Angle Media, Kabir Adejumo stated that a good journalist was the one who fact-checked whatever he is writing.
He further taught the emergin journalists present at the event how to pitch a story and make it distinct from every other story.
