Today, as the world celebrates the Press Freedom Day, it is important to call to heart the need to accept journalists and other media practitioners as an essential and indispensable part of our developmental processes as humanity.
The media has aided the democratization of information; with painstaking consistency, exploring technological innovations and creative approaches to presentation, feed backs etc. The media has evolved, ensuring that everyone is a part of the social scene and not just remote recipients.
The theme for this year is Media for Democracy: Journalism and elections.
The press has played immeasurable roles in our Social and Educational development, from bringing distant information closer to everyone during elections, interpreting obscure and complex issues for easier comprehension and guidance of all, igniting dialogue on essential issues, keeping tab of actions of the government and stakeholders at various levels etc.
The media remains at the forefront in the fight for true democracy. Threat to journalism is a threat to Democracy and Security of the State.
Goal 16 of the sustainable development goals (SDG), tasks the society on Peace, Justice and Strong Institution. To this, it is significant to mention the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the investment in technological innovation and infrastructure, which has aided the tasks of the journalist during recent elections. Through the establishment of a citizen’s feedback toll free, call centre, for sensitive data and information gathering during elections and after, while reducing the contact time of journalists, especially in volatile areas, without compromising any required detail.
Freedom requires all voice to be heard. Elections can be transparent and free of violence. These are desired features of a civilized society.
The media also can explore innovative and diplomatic approaches in their tasks, without compromising her responsibility to the society.
Cheers to press freedom.
Cheers to a more harmonious and prosperous Ondo State.
Signed: Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships (ION).
Source:https://citadelng.com/world-press-freedom-day-the-media-as-a-tool-for-sustaining-democracy/