One group, Media Rights Agenda, has trained journalists on media laws and regulations in Nigeria.
Media Rights Agenda is an independent organisation committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to information in Nigeria.
More than 30 journalists from south-east and southern Nigeria participated in the two-day training, which was held from Wednesday to Thursday in Enugu.
The MacArthur Foundation supported the training through the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability Project.
The training
The training covered a variety of topics and issues, including local and international frameworks on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, and laws affecting press freedom.
Digital security and common digital threats to journalistic practice were also addressed, as well as the relevance of the Freedom of Information Act of 2011 and how to avoid legal liability as journalists.
Why training?
Media Rights Agenda executive director Edetaen Ojo said the training became necessary due to increasing attacks on journalists and media outlets “often perpetuated through misuse and abuse of the law.”
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Mr Ojo, a media expert, noted that journalists play an important role in holding leaders and institutions accountable and strengthening democracy, which often leads them to take on the rich and powerful.
“Therefore, in performing these critical functions, you will frequently have to navigate complex legal environments and issues.
“Therefore, your ability to do your job as a journalist depends not only on your storytelling skills and abilities, but also on your knowledge and understanding of the laws, especially those affecting the media,” he said.
“In addition, knowing the laws and regulations that affect journalists and the media will allow you to better protect yourself and your sources.”
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Participants speak
Participants praised the Media Rights Agenda and partners for organizing the training.
One participant, David Eleke, a journalist with ThisDay newspaper, said the knowledge gained from the training will help participants thrive in their journalism practice.
“Honestly, this is the most impactful training session I have been a part of in a long time,” Eleke said at the end of training on Thursday.
Another participant, Alicia Johnson, a presenter and news editor at Fad FM, a radio station in Cross Rivers State, described the training as “an eye-opener.”
Ms Johnson said the training came at the right time, when journalists were being harassed and intimidated in Nigeria.
“After the training, I developed more courage to do journalism, knowing that there are some organizations that support journalists, especially when they face legal problems,” she said.
