An expert in Solution Journalism, Raphael Obasiohia has advocated a paradigm shift from mere reporting societal problems to focusing on solutions to contribute to nation building.
Mr Obasiohia stated this in Asaba at a workshop on Ethical Reporting, Development Communication and Solution Journalism organized by Asaba Correspondents Chapel of NUJ .
The solution Journalism Expert said news consumers were becoming bored to the news they read on the pages of newspapers, hear on radio or view on television as the news content leaves much to be desired
He stressed the need for journalists to move away from the old fashioned Journalism to solution Journalism which according to him will meet the expectation of news consumers.
Mr Obasiohia urged journalists to not only be quick at reporting societal problems of conflicts, insecurity, disasters, health and ecological challenges but as well report solutions to the issues raised.
He stated further, ”Solution Journalism is long overdue. We need it now more than ever. Recent research shows that people are getting tired of listening to news everyday. We see a lot of stories around insecurity, conflicts, outbreak of diseases, and other health challenges. Journalists report the problems or challenges without telling the solution or wayout. That’s an issue of concern.”
”Now, having this solution Journalism where we have the major pillars like the response: what has been done by the community or government or individuals to ensure that a problem that has been identified is solved. That’s the response. As journalists , while writing, you have to provide facts. The data should be qualitative”
Chairman of the Delta State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Churchill Oyowe commended the choice of topic for the workshop which he described as relevant and timely.
He said journalism was not about bringing down an institution or an individual but for development, and the good of the society
Comrade Oyowe who challenged journalists to be mindful of their roles and imbibe the ethics of the profession at all times, stressed the need for journalists to embrace solution Journalism that is key to nation building.
He urged participants at the workshop to take advantage of the training to improve their reporting skills and remain relevant in the profession.
The Convener and Chairman, Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye commended Delta State Government for supporting the chapel in organizing the capacity building workshop.
He said the workshop was designed to correct the lapses and anomalies in the way and manner journalists do their work, asserting that many communities were under reported despite numerous challenges confronting communities.
Olannye stated, “This training is designed to create new idea to enable us learn because learning is never exhustive, we keep leaning till we die.”
“As journalists, we need to sharpen up to meet the current trend in journalism, that is balancing our daily reportage with a mindset of proffering solutions to the problems of our society and not to aggravate it through our reports.”
Participants which comprise fifty journalists from Asaba Correspondents Chapel, and other chapels in Delta State Council of NUJ said the knowledge and practical skills acquired would enhance their work.
Read also: Delta Government Assures Of Robust Collaboration With Media
