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How can publishers help the government fight the spread of fake news?

With the coming of WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram and other social media platforms in the era of citizen journalism, which has given almost everybody the means to send messages and communicate easily, combating fake news has become a lot different. Traditional news media are known to make use of the Agenda-setting theory; to disseminate news but that is no longer the case with the new media. Now online newspapers can only act as gatekeepers, and filter news and reports. The bulk stops on the table of social media giants, they need to do more on fighting fake news, online abuses, online bullying, racism and others. It’s a job for all of us in the sense that we all have to come together to fight fake news.

What can government do to boost online publication in Nigeria?

Well, the government should double its efforts in providing an enabling environment and the regulatory framework for privately owned businesses.
For example, the government can set out policies to enable telecommunication companies to lower their internet service charges as the cost of data is one major expense we face in this industry. The government through its regulatory agencies should compel internet service providers to ensure that they provide reliable, affordable and quality service to their subscribers.

What roles can media play in the battle against insecurity?

Just like the war against fake news, the battle against insurgency, Kidnapping and others must be a joint effort of all well-meaning Nigerians. It is inappropriate and we won’t be telling ourselves the truth if we are to say it is only the responsibility of the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to tackle insecurity. With the power in the hands of media platforms, we can shed light on areas that need funding to tackle Insecurity. We can highlight the welfare of security agents, and weapons needed to prosecute this war among other things. We are also meant to draw government and the international community’s attention to where human rights are being violated in the course of this battle.