EU urges media to refrain from sensational reporting

Local and international reporters have been urged to refrain from sensational publications that will negatively impact social and economic growth of nations.

Michael Ryan, head of European Union (EU) delegation to Rwanda, made the remarks on Wednesday during EU human rights day forum in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

The one-day meeting dubbed: "Freedom of Expression and Media Transformation: Lessons from Africa and Europe" was part of activities to mark the International Human Rights Day celebrated on 10 December 2016.

"Freedom of Expression is at the heart of the EU's human rights policy as an essential foundation for democracy, rule of law, peace, stability, sustainable inclusive development and participation in public affairs. Journalists should use the freedom of expression as a developmental tool that will positively impact the lives of the people and subsequently build a strong and vibrant society," said Ryan.

He advised local reporters in the country to be objective and professional when doing their work and refrain from sensational reporting.

"Media is regarded as fourth arm of government and that they are means of disseminating vital information. Reporters should not to hype the basic facts by misinforming the public," the EU envoy noted.

The event brought together about 200 participants including; journalists, civil society organizations, media organizations, government officials, development partners, and diplomatic missions.

At the meeting panelists discussed media transformation and how to build journalism that is free, fair and responsible. The forum also examined the roles of public and private media, and their different functions, funding and levels of independence.

Arthur Asiimwe, director general Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) said that it was the responsibility of the media to ensure that hate speech and sensational reporting did not get to the public domain.

"Journalists have the responsibility to give balanced coverage of national issues," he said, calling for more efforts to promote professionalism within the African media.

Panelists also emphasized the need for the media to know what audiences and readers want, and to work to deliver factual news.

However, the meeting observed that the greatest challenge to media freedom is disregarding the ethics of the profession, not maintaining high professional standards, and not paying adequate attention to the business dimension of the news business. Endit