Expert tasks newsmen on solution journalism

MORE than 50 journalists in Delta State have been trained in solution journalism which advocates a paradigm shift from mere reporting societal problems to focusing on solutions to such problems and challenges.

The need for this aspect of the new journalism stems from the fact that news consumers are already becoming bored with what they read on the pages of newspapers, hear on radio, or view on television as the news content often leaves much to be desired.

Speaking in Asaba at a workshop on ‘Ethical reporting, development communication and solution journalism’ organised by Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), an expert in solution journalism, Mr Raphael Obasioha stressed the need for journalists to move away from the old path in order to meet the expectation of news consumers.

Obasiohia urged journalists not only to be quick at reporting societal problems of conflicts, insecurity, disasters, health and ecological challenges, but also report solutions to the issues raised.

‘’Solution Journalism is long overdue. We need it now more than ever. Recent research shows that people are getting tired of listening to news everyday. We see a lot of stories around insecurity, conflicts, outbreak of diseases, and other health challenges. Journalists report the problems or challenges without telling the solution or way out. That is an issue of concern.

‘’Now, having this solution journalism where we have the major pillars like the response: what has been done by the community or government or individuals to ensure that a problem that has been identified is solved. That is the response. As journalists, while writing, you have to provide facts. The data should be qualitative,’’ he said.

Chairman of the NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, commended the choice of topic for the workshop which he described as relevant and timely.

Oyowe, who challenged journalists to be mindful of their roles and imbibe the ethics of the profession at all times, stressed the need for journalists to embrace solution journalism that is key to nation-building.

He urged participants at the workshop to take advantage of the training to improve their reporting skills and remain relevant in the profession.

The convener and chairman, Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, commended the Delta State government for supporting the chapel in organising the workshop.

He said the workshop was designed to correct the lapses and anomalies in the way and manner journalists do their work, asserting that many communities were under-reported despite numerous challenges confronting communities.

Participants drawn from Asaba Correspondents Chapel and other chapels in Delta State Council of NUJ said the knowledge and practical skills acquired would enhance their work.