LET YOUR STORIES BE ISSUE BASED — DN TELLS ENUGU NEWS STAFF
REPORTER: AMAKA UCHENNADIUKWU
The Director News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ms. Husseina Akila Bangshika, has emphasize the importance of issue-based reporting in the news.
She stressed the need to focus stories on issues affecting society, rather than sensationalizing news or relying on clickbait.
She made this known in an interactive session with the news staff after the Staff Forum with the DG, Dr. Mohammed Bulama.
Ms. Bangshika highlighted the importance of telling stories that resonate with the public, address pressing concerns and encourage dialogue, rather than prioritizing clicks and views over substance.
The DN emphasized the critical role that reporters and broadcasters play in shaping public discourse.
“Take interest in writing special reports. Write on issues that have human angle and of public interest,” the DN admonished.
She continued, “organize News Summit, discuss news ideas with people, especially senior colleagues, by doing this, you bring the skeleton to them and let them add the flesh to it. Be resilient, be genuinely spiritual and not just religious so you can always be on track.”
The Director News emphasized that reporters and broadcasters should not allow external forces to dictate their emotional well-being, instead focusing on maintaining a positive mindset and holding themselves accountable for the quality of their work.
“Don’t allow self pity to weigh you down so you do not get to depression.
Don’t allow people to hold your live in their hands. Do not even be perturbed by any matter that is capable of jeopardizing your ability to bringing out your best,” she advised.
The DN urged the News Sub Directorate to invest in essential equipment and branded materials, such as microphones and logo-emblazoned attire, to present a professional and authoritative image to the public.
She said “buy your staff Microphones and logo for corporate arrogance.”
She emphasized that these items are not just accessories, but symbols of the organization’s commitment to excellence and integrity in journalism, serving as a reminder to both the staff and their audience of the high standards expected of FRCN news.
Reacting to the DN, the Deputy Director News, Enugu National Station, Mr. Stone Agomuo, decried the level at which commercialization has affected news production, especially within the zone.
According to Mr. Agomuo “When you tell them to go to the field they are afraid because of commercials.
“We have special report correspondents,
investigative reporters and all other beats, yet many items in the news are termed commercial by the marketing department.”
The interactive session, which has an Assistant Director News Enugu, Ms. Uju Onyemelukwe, News Managers, Controllers, reporters, editors and translators in attendance also featured question and answer session.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
