Experts caution advocacy journalists against bias, sensational reports

Media practitioners have been called upon to avoid sensationalism and bias while undertaking advocacy journalism. He urged the practitioners to look well before leaping into that field of journalism, as it demands extreme caution.

Delivering a paper, ‘Ethical Reporting and Advocacy Journalism’ during a virtual training of journalists on water reporting organised by Corporate Accountability Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), veteran journalist, Dr Olayinka Oyegbile, charged journalists to present the facts objectively.

While noting that striking a balance can be tricky but not impossible, he urged them to ensure advocacy “does not lead to biased reporting.” He advised: “Provide comprehensive and well-researched background information, seek diverse perspectives, involve stakeholders in the reporting process and fact-check.

“Strip yourself of sensationalism but tell a good story. There is no substitute for painting a vivid picture with good and solid information.” Broadcast journalist, Esther Omopariola, charged journalists to verify their information by fact-checking for accuracy, consulting experts and local authorities.

She also urged them to avoid obstacles, so they don’t end up as the story. On this, Oyegbile cautioned that “advocacy journalism is not a field for every reporter.”

The Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, berated moves to privatise water in Africa, highlighting the consequences. He said: “Privatisation typically leads to a loss of one in three water jobs. A survey of 10 privatisation contracts found that after taking over a system, water companies reduced the workforce by 34 per cent on average.”

The CAPPA boss also noted that privatisation undermines the human right to water.

“Water privatisation can jeopardise the fundamental human right to water.”

Price hikes, service disconnections for non-payment and inadequate investment in infrastructure lead to worsening access, particularly for vulnerable populations. The emphasis on cost-recovery and profit undermines water’s status as a public good and essential resource for life, turning it into a commodity that only those who can afford it may access.”

On the way forward, he urged African governments to rise to uphold the right to water by addressing issues of water from a rights-based lens, reject privatisation in all its forms, ensure democratic participation of local communities and protect the rights of workers.