TheCable

Digital media practitioners in Edo state have set up an umbrella organisation for online journaists, known as ‘online media practitioners’.

The development was announced on Friday in a statement signed by Mike Aladenika and Sam Ayokhai, acting chairman and secretary of the organisation, respectively.

According to the statement, the organisation will focus on setting standards for online journalists in the state.

The group also said the umbrella body is determined to “cleanse the online media profession of quacks who see the profession as an unrestricted space”, adding that its efforts will “regulate its practice in line with accepted norms and ethics”.

“The umbrella body will endeavour to liaise with relevant authorities and similar bodies in sanitising the profession and promoting the welfare of practitioners,” the statement reads.

“Online news does not differ from the traditional media in terms of news sourcing and presenting, and only trained and qualified journalists conversant with the ethics and laws of the profession can effectively carry out the job.

“The umbrella body will also strive to ensure its members display a high sense of professionalism to earn the trust and patronage of the public.”