A UNICEF Field Office Enugu in collaboration with Rivers Broadcasting Corporation organised a one-day zonal meeting on Friday 18, 2011 with media heads/executives at Juanita Hotel Amadi Flat, Herbert Macaulay Street, Port Harcourt, to brainstorm on more result-oriented and evidence-based Reportage on Children and Women issues in the media.

The Chief of UNICEF  Office, Enugu, Mr Charles Nzuki intimated media executives that media briefing by UNICEF has over the years remained a useful way of updating and informing on specific emerging issues concerning the welfare of women and children.

“Every child is yet to be reached with the minimum package of care and basic intervention,” he reminded media executives and said he hoped that media advocacy will ensure that the battle is won for every child.

In a welcome address by Ms Medline Tador, General Manager Radio Rivers Broadcasting Corporation represented by Mrs Florence Ekiye, a broadcaster, at the Media Executive Breakfast meeting, had stated that in advocating for children and women over the years, the  (UNICEF) has built steadfastly on its known reputation as a trusted organisation. Through proven channels like the media,. UNICEF showcased the plight of marginalised children and women and evidence based results achieved through various intervention programmes and activities.

Delivering her paper on Ethics Reporting on Children, Child Rights and the media using data stories and more, Mrs Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, Communication Officer UNICEF Enugu, stated  that it is meant to support the best intention of ethical reports and also raise awareness of children’s right issues to stimulate dialogue among media professionals about the value of common approach which will reinforce journalistic standards, contribute to the protection and enhancement of children’s right.

She stressed the need for  special attention to be paid on each Child’s Right to privacy, confidentiality to have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them and to be protected from harm and retribution.

Do not publish a story or image which might put the child sibling or peer at risk even when identities are charged obscured.

Mrs Ijeoma Onuaha Ogwe maintained that attention should be paid to where and how  the child is interviewed. Limit the number of interviewers and photographer.

In film, video and radio interviews, consider what the choice of visual or audio background might imply about the child and her or his life and story. Ensure that the child would not be endangered or adversely affected by showing their home community or general whereabouts, she stated.

She reiterated the need for children not to be stigmatised. Avoid categorisation or descriptions that expose the child to negative reprisals.

Provide an accurate context for child’s story or image.

Change names and obscure the visual identity of any child who is identified as current or former combatant victim of sexual abuse, a perpetration of physical or sexual abuse, HIV-positive, living with AIDS, or has died of AIDS except parents/guardian gives full consent.

Confirm the accuracy of what the child has to say either with other children or an adult preferable both.

When in doubt whether a child is at risk, report on the general situation from other children rather than on an individual child, no matter how newsworthy the story, she retorted.

Mrs Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe  stated that Media/Journalistic activity which touch on the lives and welfare of children should always be carried out with appreciation of the vulnerable situation of children.

The use of pictures, stories and figures to illustrate the situation of a child she said is  most effective in drawing the attention of duty bearer to the need of the child. She unveiled a media advisory, press releases, letter to editor, which included photo Ops, opinion editorial (Op-Ed), human interest stories, speeches, press briefing, media trips as potent media materials to be used with great effect.

Julie Jumbo