Just two presidential candidates? Yes, according to the media

The media in Nigeria are grappling with challenge of professionalism in the industry; but it also has to be said that they are lagging behind when it comes to fairness and balance. What I’m being taught at school is completely and totally at variance from what is being practiced in the country as journalism by the media. For example, we have more than ten presidential candidates for the coming general elections and only two of them are given preferential treatment by the Nigeria media, while others are neglected. Whenever President Goodluck Jonathan of PDP and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of APC are campaigning, the media are always covering and reporting to Nigerians what transpired at the campaign rallies but at the same time fail to do same for other presidential candidates. Why?

Is that how journalism profession is supposed to be practised? I was taught that fairness and balance are among the qualities of journalism profession and, as a journalist you must recognize these qualities when treating issues that involve two or more parties. Fairness in journalism is the art of treating parties that are involved in an issue without being biased; while balance means given equal right, time, attention and privileges to parties that are involved in an issue without compromise.

Looking at the media coverage of the presidential campaign rallies across the country, where only two presidential candidates are given prominence by the media among many, can we say the media are being fair and balanced in discharging their duties? I can confidently say that the Nigeria’s media are practicing favouritism and not journalism.

As a matter of responsibility and professionalism, Nigeria’s media should begin to practice journalism profession the way it should be; so that the qualities of fairness and balance can be captured and portrayed in practising their work.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Benue State University, Makurdi<piusawunah@ymail.com <mailto:piusawunah@ymail.com>