Having a 247 news report is of great advantage to a country. This helps in giving out the latest and current news to the citizens of a country. In a country like mine, we have various television stations and newspaper companies that publish news regarding the current state of the country. Recently, Social media has been taking the lead in the dissemination of news which most times comes in the form of rumors.
I believe before releasing any news, the news should be scrutinized whether it is true or fake. The harm fake news and misinformation have caused can not be over-emphasized. Due to the propagation of fake news within a country, some countries have experienced wars of various kinds.
The importance of accurate and unmodified news can not be overemphasized. I remember during the outbreak of the Ebola virus some years back, various news were circulating which put a lot of people in anxiety. Later news was being spread across social media that salt is the preventive method. Due to the fear and anxiety of getting infected by the disease, most citizens started drinking salt solution, adding salt to their bathing water. It was really a funny experience. Many overuse the salt which ends up landing many on the hospital bed. This occurs as a result of misinformation.
I believe some news ought to be withheld from the citizen which is a means of keeping the country in peace. Before any news is published it should be welly scrutinized if the news is accurate or not, is it a piece of news that will enhance the unity, peace, and the safety of all citizens? All this must be put into consideration before publishing the news.
In a country like Nigeria, some news is being modified to the advantage of the government. Most news that won't be of advantage to the government is being withheld from the citizens.
During the period of COVID-19, it was discovered that the number of infected individuals is being inflated so that the government will be able to get more funds from international health organizations. Imagine lots of palliatives that were meant to be distributed during covid 19 were being locked up for their personal benefit. All these acts do not portray good governance.
I believe in integrity and accountability, News that are meant for people to hear are news of how public funds are being spent which include taxes, publishing news regarding health and security awareness, and more. I believe all this information will enhance the trust the citizens have for the government
Information that won't promote peace or may will put citizens at risk should be withheld. I remember a news that was broadcast in regards to the insecurity issues in Nigeria. Some sensitive information was released to the public which ended up backfiring on the security agencies, the terrorists lay hold on that information which later led to the loss of lives of many military officers.
In conclusion, I believe not all news should be broadcast to the citizens. I believe information that will promote peace and won't put the lives of citizens in danger should be released.
