A prominent legal practitioner and former senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Inuwa Waya, has underscored the growing dominance of digital journalism, noting that online media platforms have become the primary drivers of public opinion in today’s information landscape.
Waya made the observation while hosting members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he highlighted the transformative impact of technology on news dissemination.
He explained that the speed of online media has significantly reduced the time it takes for information to reach the public, eliminating the delays that once characterised traditional media reporting.
According to him, audiences now increasingly rely on digital platforms for news consumption, often engaging with online reports multiple times before turning to conventional outlets such as radio, television, and newspapers.
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He stressed that the shift places a greater responsibility on online journalists to uphold professionalism, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reports.
Waya described digital media as a vital tool for strengthening accountability between the government and the public, while cautioning that its growing influence must be exercised responsibly.
He also warned of rising legal risks associated with online publishing, noting that the speed and reach of digital platforms have heightened exposure to libel and misinformation.
The APC chieftain urged journalists to adhere strictly to ethical standards, emphasising that credible and objective reporting remains essential in maintaining public trust.
He reiterated that the media, as a mirror of society, must operate within the bounds of professionalism to effectively fulfil its role in a democratic system.