The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to combat online piracy.
NPC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Dili Ezughah, stated this during a seminar organised by the NCC for journalists on Wednesday in Abuja. The seminar was themed, “Beyond Reporting: The Media, Copyright and the Nigerian Creative Economy.”
Represented by Mr. Jacob Atang, the Director of Marketing, Ezughah noted that the council’s partnership with the NCC would help significantly curb online piracy. He added that the NPC is responsible for regulating print media operations and ensuring that journalists uphold ethical standards in their work.
He noted that Nigeria currently faces numerous cases of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, especially across online platforms.
He explained that the rise of digital media has enabled individuals without journalistic training to publish content using just a smartphone, often spreading information that could trigger serious issues in the country.
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The NPC chief added that the council is developing a pre-fact-checker app to help monitor and curb such activities.
“The pre-fact checker will be able to identify that this thing an individual is doing is not correct. It is misinformation, disinformation, and then stops the disinformation from going public.”
“We want to stem the tide of this misinformation, fake news, disinformation and other things,” he said.
He added that NPC was working on expanding its scope of operations.
“We have prepared a bill, an amendment to the existing bill, to ensure that the Press Council covers the electronic media.”
“Electronic media, where we hope that the pre-fact checker app that we are presently working on will be of great use and importance to the country.”
”I want to assure NCC DG that NPC will partner with the commission to fight against online piracy,” he assured.
Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, an Arts and Culture Advocate, speaking on the topic “The Journalist’s Guide to Effective Reportage of the Copyright Sector,” emphasized that the media’s core responsibility is to inform and educate.
Anikulapo, a veteran journalist, stressed that the information shared should enlighten and empower the public. He noted that when journalists themselves are well-informed and empowered, they are better positioned to fully express their professional potential.
He encouraged journalists to view their roles not just as reporters, but also as advocates.
“As a cultural reporter, you must be an advocate who will engage the public and the creative sector you are covering, as you belong to the ecosystem.”
“We should be observant to see copyright abusers and advocate for it.”
“Copyright is somebody`s work, infringement is stealing. We have to advocate on it and partner with NCC to ensure that people’s work is not infringed,” he said
According to him, when you defend the rights of others as a journalist from the creative community, you are equally defending your rights as well.
“Build relationships with NCC to enable them to reinforce their work for the betterment of society,” he said.
NAN/Oluchi