Dr. Abubakar Alhassan, a university don has observed that glorifying terrorism in media reportage is an inspiration for terrorists to continue their nefarious acts.
Alhassan who made the disclosure during a two day humanitarian reporting workshop organized by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), in Yola, urged media practitioners to instead portray terrorists as the true villains they are.
“In order to make their report look good, journalists are in the habit of sensationalizing media reports around terrorism and conflicts and in the process they knowingly or unknowingly embolden such odious acts.”
“Journalists should avoid giving unnecessary details about the victims that may further worsen their cases; it is unethical for a person to report the identity of a rape victim as that will surely expose her to stigmatization.”
“It is important for journalists to relay only information which is needed by the general public not necessarily what the public want to hear, such understanding always produces the desired effect of conflict mitigation,” he said.
Alhassan noted that people in very distressing conditions also need information that will salvage them, noting that reports that will give the victims reassurance and hope are more desirable than those that will ultimately worsen their plights.
He explained that when using visuals or pictures of adults who are victims of conflict, their consent must be sought, adding that it is completely unethical to portray the images and visuals of underage victims.
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