The Founder, Penpushing online media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji on Monday warned students of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan not to allowed money to be their priority for going into journalism, saying that they can attained greater height through their passion for the profession.
Adedeji, while speaking as a guest lecturer during the maiden edition of annual lecture of Association of Mass Communications Students (AMACOS), KDU, Ibadan stated that journalism is as lucrative as other professions, but its practitioner needs to do away from fake new to avoid loss of credibility.
The Penpushing Founder in his lecture title: ‘Fake News and Journalism: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward’ said that love of money in journalism might endanger credibility of the job, calling on the students to make their passion journalism first before money.
Speaking on the title of the lecture, Adedeji said that fake news can cripple the nation and may cause unending war, adding that it can also damaged the reputation of a person or an entity.
The media guru lamented that use of social media has also contributed to the spread of fake news in the society because there are many anonymously-hosted fake news websites which have made it difficult to identify and prosecute those behind the sources of fake news for libel.
According to him, a responsible journalist must always avoid disseminating falsehood, which is better described as ‘pregnancy stage’ of fake news, and in most cases ‘brought in dead.’
Highlighting challenges in tackling fake new, Adedeji said that there has been a shift in the way people consume news both print and electronics, adding that practicing journalist with passion for the profession should be cautious and mindful on the need to grow a thick skin, because there are a lot of forces working against professional journalists.
Penpushing Founder however said that effective self-regulation and legally-enforced regulation of social media and web search engines are needed to cub fake news, adding that Individuals need to actively confront false narratives when spotted, as well as take care when sharing information via social media.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Vice Chancellor of the school, Professor Adeniyi Olatubosun, the Deputy Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Yetunde Alagbe stated that students needs to focus on their area of specialization in journalism, saying that their passion towards the profession will makes them to succeed.
“A lot of things is associated with journalism, you have to decide on your area of specialization, you need to think well and decide wisely, you need to understand the passion you have for journalism and this will help you a lot in achieving your dream.”
Alagbe however urged the students to think out of box, because it is an opportunity for them been a communicator who served as voice to the voiceless in the society towards nation building.
