‘Media, Key To Credible Polls’

The Head, Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr Uche Ebeze says the media is key to credible, free and fair elections in the country.
Ebeze told newsmen on Sunday in Awka that the media should be objective and avoid reporting fake news that could jeopardise the 2019 general elections.
“The media are supposed to be objective, balanced, fair and critical in its analysis of issues. The issue of fake news is everywhere and the media should be careful not to use such stories,’’ he said.
The don however, said that some media organisations were doing well in election coverage by refusing to be partisan.
“There are some media organisations that are doing well and have remained objective. In this election, the media should be balanced, objective and fair to expose any activities that will mar the process.
“ This process will make our democracy grow,” he said.
Ebeze said that the people are relying on the media for balanced information to judge the government and ensure the success of our democracy.
He also advised election observers not to compromise their reports.
“The observers should help the media to tell the observers the truth and be objective in their reports. When they (observers) are here, they appraise the elections to be free and fair.
“When they leave the country, they say otherwise. They should be bold to say the truth,’’ he said.
Ebeze called on the observers of the forthcoming elections to assist the press with objective reports to enable them report facts.