Support Yourselves With Relevant Laws To Enhance Your Job.

 

Edetaen  Ojo,  the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, has advised Journalists to support themselves with the relevant media laws that will  enhance their job as they go about doing their bits.

Speaking in Enugu State on Thursday during his opening remarks to welcome journalists who have gathered to learn more on the media laws that will guide them in doing their job, Ojo advised them to always make do with the relevant laws in order  to avoid attacks.

Recall that Media Rights Agenda has gathered about thirty journalists from across Nigeria in a workshop to hone their job once again on how better to  navigate the  murky waters of journalism.

With support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project, Ojo, revealed that the main essence of  the workshop was  to sensitize the   journalists on national laws and policies that will guide media practice on regional and international instruments on the safety of journalists.

Advising the participants, Ojo said:"As you all know, the media landscape is rapidly evolving, not just in Nigeria but around the world.  However, in the present context of Nigeria, we are witnessing a relentless and ever increasing onslaught on journalists and the media, in many cases, through the misuse and abuse of the Law."

Disclosing that Journalists play a crucial role in nation building, he said:" As journalists, you play a vital role in informing the public, in holding those in power accountable, and in strengthening our democracy. 

Performing these roles and doing so effectively often do not win you a lot of affection or make you popular.  On the contrary, they bring you into confrontation with the rich and powerful, many of whom would do just about anything to prevent you from telling your story."

In doing the job, he urged  journalists to frequently find a way of  navigating the  complex legal environments and issues, ranging from using the Freedom of Information Act to seek and obtain information, to defending themselves or media organizations against defamation lawsuits.  

"Your ability to do your job as a journalist therefore depends not only on your storytelling skills and abilities but  on your knowledge and understanding of the law, especially those that affect the media."

"Knowing the law helps to protect you as a journalist from legal risks. In Nigeria, you could easily face criminal charges  brought against you under criminal defamation laws, the law of sedition, or even for violating national security laws.  Being well-informed about these legal boundaries can help you as a journalist to avoid unnecessary brushes with the law, thereby allowing you to carry out your duties safely and confidently."

 Familiarity with the laws and regulations affecting journalists and the media he said empowers journalists to better protect themselves and their sources. 

 "Laws around confidential sources, whistleblowers, and data protection can be tricky. Understanding these issues ensures that you can safeguard the people you frequently rely on for stories, and protect their identities, when necessary, as well as maintain your own credibility and integrity."

"Also, knowing the laws enables you as journalists to advocate for media freedom and challenge unjust laws and regulations which restrict your rights and freedoms.  Journalists who are aware of their legal rights can push back against censorship, demand access to information from public institutions and other entities or officials that are bound by the Freedom of Information Act."

 "It can also empower you to resist intimidation from those who would either abuse the law to get at you or even those who would seek to use the law legitimately to prevent you from doing your job.  In such situations, knowing the law can help you to use legal frameworks to your advantage."

"In a world where the lines between freedom of expression and legal liabilities are often blurred, as journalists, you must arm yourselves not only with facts but also with the legal knowledge and understanding which can be your armour." Ojo disclosed.