The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has charged media professionals to uphold ethics and integrity in the face of growing technological changes in the newsroom, as it joined the global commemoration of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day.
Speaking in Abuja, NUJ FCT Chair, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasised the need for media practitioners to adapt to an evolving landscape shaped by digital innovation, while remaining committed to the fundamental principles of press freedom.
This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” reflects the shifting dynamics of modern journalism and the ethical questions they raise.
“New technologies are transforming how news is produced and received,” Ike observed. “They bring efficiency, deepen audience engagement, and support verification processes, but they also pose serious questions around authorship, fairness, and editorial control.”
She urged Nigerian journalists to remain responsive to the realities of their immediate environment, even as they adopt global media tools. She cautioned that increased reliance on digital systems must not erode editorial independence or compromise professional standards.
Reaffirming the Union’s support for the constitutional guarantee of press freedom in Nigeria, Ike commended the contributions of government agencies, civil society, and international partners in promoting media rights, safety, and access to information. Nonetheless, she called for more intentional action to secure a press that is truly free and independent.
Comrade Ike restated the NUJ’s commitment to ethical journalism, improved professional conduct, and the advancement of digital awareness among its members. She also expressed readiness to collaborate with policymakers to ensure that emerging technologies in the media space are guided by democratic values and the public interest.
“In this brave new world,” she remarked, “cooperation among journalists, regulators, and the wider society is essential to ensure that innovation becomes a tool for inclusion and service—not control or distortion.”
She concluded by urging media professionals to renew their commitment to the enduring values of truth, balance, and courage, reminding them that while tools may change, the core duty of journalism—to inform, enlighten, and serve the public—remains unchanged.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on 3 May to reaffirm the importance of a free press and to remind governments of their responsibility to protect freedom of expression.
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