Journalists Shouldn’t Give Publicity To Perpetrators of Crime, Says Kadaria Ahmed

 

Chief Executive Officer of RadioNow, Kadaria Ahmed spoke in an interview on Wednesday during The Morning Show about how British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Daily Trust push out information to the public.

Kadaria Ahmed explains that journalists have a responsibility to the people and the society, one of which is not pushing out information that may bring further harm to the society.

In this case she talks about BBC and Daily Trust releasing a video where bandits talked about their plans, the money collected for the kidnapping and nothing being done about it.

She goes further to explain that right now, there are over 30 per cent of Nigerians who are unemployed and the video being publicized is giving ideas to the poor and desperate people in the country where bandits are kidnapping people, getting paid and still walking around freely thinking they can do the same and also it radiates more fear to the Nigerians who are already afraid.

“30 percent plus unemployment rate in the country and video of bandits collecting 60 million naira and still walking around freely is released; desperate and poor people might be inclined to do such.”

Although she gives credit to BBC for teaching her what she knows now, she says that her problem with the international press is that they don’t project their own terrors

Her advice to journalists is to think hard on how they cover crimes and try their best not to give publicity to the perpetrators of crime.

“I’m a big fan of BBC, everything I know about journalism I learnt from BBC.

“My issue is with BBC Africa, International press don’t project their own terrors.”

Kadaria Ahmed replies to a question asked on if the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed can sanction BBC saying that she doesn’t believe in sanctions, rather it’s best to self-regulate because we have a constitutional duty and responsibility as journalists.

“I don’t believe in sanctions, we need to self-regulate because we have a constitutional duty. We have a responsibility.”

Faith Ituen

 

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