THE issue of freedom of the press is always a recurring decimal in measuring the strides made by the media in terms of how it is discharging its constitutional responsibilities to societies.This usually varies from country to country. Their value systems, beliefs, media expectations, the sum of which borders on how tolerant the authorities are on the one hand and how aware the citizenry is in helping the media disseminate information, set agenda and to hold those who run societies accountable to the existing social contract where such exists.So, it was reckoning time last week when the World Press Freedom Day was marked in Nigeria.With 21st Century MediaNew Media, New Barriers as theme, speakers at the World Press Freedom Day forum in Abuja attempted this yearly ritualistic review in a limited but stimulating way.But the anniversary event focused largely on the role of the media during the recently concluded general elections in Nigeria and how to take the utmost advantage of the new media technologies, which the social media has been feasting on.First, the usual things were played up as the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Muhammed Garba listed the challenges facing journalists in Nigeria, which include lack of infrastructure, financial resources and investment in technology.He said he had to make this point again because the theme of the 2011 World Press Freedom Day dwelled on the introduction of the 21st century technology and new tools for news gathering.Garba then seized the moment to called for increment in the allowances of journalists in both private and public media organisations in the country.On his part, the guest speaker, the United States (US) ambassador to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley held that Nigerian media must now take the drivers seat in holding the newly elected public officers accountable to the people.The envoy stressed matter-of-factly that with the recently concluded elections, where Nigerians successfully engaged the social media to ensure transparency, the watchful world expects practitioners to leverage on this....Nigerians have made their mark on the social media sphere, and it is now time to harness the forum in holding elected leaders accountable to ensure good governance and economic growth Nigerians deserve, he added.Ambassador McCulley also praised the use of the Internet as a tool for social change. He said In this new public space crowded with news and chatter, journalists play an essential role in searching for truth, analyzing trends, maintaining credibility, and providing reports to serve the public good. Undoubtedly, the arrival of the digital agethe evolution of the Internet, the emergence of new forms of media and the rise of online social networkshas sparked debate as to what it means to be a journalist, what role bloggers play, and what the effect the blurring of lines between citizen journalists and professionals will be on the media both today and tomorrow.Quoting US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, he continued, When a free media is in jeopardy, all other human rights are also threatened. So in that spirit, let us continue to champion those who stand for media freedomand expose those who would deny it. And let us always work toward a world where the free flow of information and ideas remains a powerful force for progress.According to him We are facing a critical transformative moment in our history. Around the world, people are calling out for freedom, transparency, and self-determination. New digital tools are supporting this cause in a way that is faster and more widespread than ever before, and journalists are playing a central role in this effort. Unfortunately, many of them have been killed or injured as they have sought to report on the grave challenges facing our world today. It is up to each of us to honour their legacy and do all we canboth virtually and in realityto support press freedom as a fundamental right to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.According to the envoy, this years theme could not have been more prescient giving that the establishment and fostering of an independent, pluralistic, and free press is essential to the development of civil societies and democracies across the globe.Reiterating what appeared the sing song of the day, information and communications minister Mr. Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information and Communications, also has urged the Nigerian media to embrace the new frontiers of technology in news gathering and disseminationHe stimulated thoughts on how Nigerians must now address these challenges, to advance what is positive in the engagement of new media and to abridge what is negative in the new frontiers that emerged as a result of advancement in ICT and information dissemination and communication across the world.But the new frontiers, the minister stressed, also called for adherence to the ethics of the profession. He noted that non-adherence spells doom as the profession could be undermined fundamentally.
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