Posted by Edetaen Ojo, executive director of media rights agenda (MRA), has said that journalists should arm themselves with knowledge of the law to shield themselves from legal risks in light of the increasing media assault in Nigeria.
“Laws and Regulations Affecting the Media in Nigeria” was a two-day workshop in Enugu organized by MRA and supported by the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).
Ojo made these remarks in his opening remarks as part of the CMEDIA Project, which aims to promote collaborative media engagement for development, inclusion, and accountability.
His main point was that journalists can’t just rely on their storytelling chops; they also need a firm grasp of the law, particularly as it pertains to the media.
Ojo went on to say that journalists who are well-versed in their rights can resist attempts at censorship or intimidation and can hold government agencies and other entities accountable for their information under the Freedom of Information Act.
Furthermore, journalists would be better equipped to fight for media freedom and oppose unfair rules and regulations that limit their liberties if they are well-versed in the laws.
Reporters, he said, “must arm yourselves not only with facts but also with legal knowledge and understanding, which can be your armor” in a world where the boundaries between free speech and legal responsibilities are frequently blurred.
To seek truth and justice, one must understand the law, which is why it is vital.
As you carry out your important duties, you’ll often have to deal with complicated legal matters, such as protecting yourself or your media organizations from defamation lawsuits or utilizing the Freedom of Information Act to get information.
As a journalist, you should be aware of the laws that could put you in danger. Laws of sedition, criminal defamation, and even violations of national security laws could all be used to prosecute you in Nigeria.
You can confidently and safely carry out your tasks if you are knowledgeable about these legal limitations and can avoid unwanted encounters with the law.
The best way to safeguard your sources and yourself as a journalist is to be well-versed in the rules and regulations that apply to your profession. Protecting sensitive information, whistleblowers, and confidential sources is not always easy.
“Having a grasp on these matters will enable you to protect the individuals on whose stories you often depend, conceal their identities when needed, and uphold your personal credibility and honesty.”