Just two presidential candidates? Yes, according the media

For example, we have more than ten presidential candidates for the coming general elections and only two of them are given preferential treatment by the Nigeria media, while others are neglected. Whenever President Goodluck Jonathan of PDP and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of APC are campaigning, the media are always covering and reporting to Nigerians what […]

For example, we have more than ten presidential candidates for the coming general elections and only two of them are given preferential treatment by the Nigeria media, while others are neglected. Whenever President Goodluck Jonathan of PDP and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of APC are campaigning, the media are always covering and reporting to Nigerians what transpired at the campaign rallies but at the same time fail to do same for other presidential candidates. Why?
Is that how journalism profession is supposed to be practised? I was taught that fairness and balance are among the qualities of journalism profession and, as a journalist you must recognize these qualities when treating issues that involve two or more parties.      Fairness in journalism is the art of treating parties that are involved in an issue without being biased; while balance means given equal right, time, attention and privileges to parties that are involved in an issue without compromise.
  Looking at the media coverage of the presidential campaign rallies across the country, where only two presidential candidates are given prominence by the media among many, can we say the media are being fair and balanced in discharging their duties? I can confidently say that the Nigeria’s media are practicing favouritism and not journalism.
As a matter of responsibility and professionalism, Nigeria’s media should begin to practice journalism profession the way it should be; so that the qualities of fairness and balance can be captured and portrayed in practising their work.
Awunah Pius Terwase, Benue State University, Makurdi<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>;