By Neta Nwosu.
An indictment of contemporary journalism took centre stage on penultimate Thursday at the 2026 National Convention of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), as Church leaders, media practitioners and government officials raised the alarm over what they described as a dangerous drift in media practice. At the convention held at the Assumpta Pastoral Centre in Owerri, Imo State, stakeholders declared that journalism in Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, caught between the race for speed and the obligation to ensure accuracy, as well as between technological advancement and moral responsibility. Themed, “The Media and Violence Reporting: Understanding the issues,” participants at the March 19 gathering warned that the growing obsession with breaking news and attracting online traffic is steadily eroding the core values of the profession, with dire consequences for society.
They stressed that the increasing tendency to prioritise sensational headlines over verified acts not only undermines the credibility of the media but also threatens national cohesion, especially in a country already battling insecurity and social tensions. Speakers at the event lamented what they termed the rising culture of sensationalism, driven largely by the demands of instant digital reporting and algorithm-based platforms that reward virality at the expense of truth. According to them, the sit uation has led to a disturbing trend where human suffering is commodified and presented as consumable content, often stripped of empathy and context. They cautioned that such practices, if left unchecked could further inflame tensions and deepen divisions within the society. The stakeholders, therefore, called for a return to ethical, compassionate and truth-driven journalism, urging media professionals to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and responsibility in their reportage. They emphasised that beyond informing the public, journalism must retain its human face, particularly in the coverage of violence and crises. The convention ended with a strong moral appeal to journalists to retrace their steps and recommit to professional ethics, warning that failure to do so could render the media complicit in the very violence and instability it seeks to expose
Bishop Chikwe: ‘You are digital missionaries, defend the truth
Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, in an exclusive wide-ranging interview with The Catholic Herald, framed journalism as both a sacred duty and a spiritual calling, urging Catholic media practitioners to see themselves as “apostles of truth in a confused world.” “You are digital missionaries,” he declared emphatically. “Your work is not ordinary. It is divine. It is sacred. Wherever you are— whether in print or electronic media—you must carry that Catholic identity with you.” He warned that Nigeria’s information space has become dangerously polluted by misinformation, distortion and propaganda, making the role of journalists more critical than ever. “We live in a world where all kinds of simulations and lies are posted everywhere,” he said. “It is the media that must always set the record straight. In the face of confusion, you must deal with facts and make the truth available to the people.” The Bishop stressed that communication is not merely about transmitting information but about building relationships and connecting humanity to truth. “Communication is powerful. It is through communication that we engage humanity and build relationships. Christ himself is the Word made flesh, and through our words, we connect humanity with the divine,” he explained. He further underscored the responsibility of journalists to resist manipulation, particularly from government narratives. “In a country like Nigeria, the media has a very big role to play. You must not allow yourselves to be hindered by government propaganda or pressure. Your duty is to the public,” he warned. Most Rev. Chikwe placed strong emphasis on investigative journalism, urging practitioners to dig deeper and verify facts thoroughly. “You must examine, investigate and ensure that what you are putting out is the truth. People are hungry for the truth about what is happening in this country, and you must serve them with that truth,” he said. In a lighter but profound reflection, he added: “Somebody once said that at the end of the world, it is journalists that will remain—because they will be reporting what is happening in heaven and hell. That shows how important your role is.” He rated Catholic media performance in Nigeria as “high,” attributing it to what he described as a strong moral compass. “You have a conscience—the Catholic conscience—and with that, you tread the high ground of morality to serve the public with truth,” he added
Oluoha: ‘Violence reporting demands ethics, courage
In his welcome address, CAM PAN National President, Chim di Oluoha, set the tone for the conference, highlighting the dangers and ethical dilemmas inherent in reporting violence in Nigeria. “Reporting violence is a delicate aspect of journalism practice because of the high risks involved,” he said. “Journalists face threats not just from securi ty agencies, but also from political actors and non-state groups.” He explained that the convention was deliberately structured to combine policy deliberations, professional networking and intensive training to equip journalists for modern challenges. “This conference captures three major aspects—our Annual General Meeting for policy direction, networking for professional growth, and training to sharpen competencies,” he noted. Oluoha said the theme of the conference was a direct response to the realities of the Nigerian environment. “We are experiencing violent incidents in different parts of the country. This makes it imperative for journalists to adhere strictly to safety, ethical and professional standards,” he said. He stressed that the media must play a stabilising role in society. “There is a professional obligation to use media reports to de-escalate violence, promote dialogue, mutual understanding and peace,” he added. He expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen professional capacity. “We expect that participants will fine-tune their competencies in reporting violent incidents in line with international best practices and for the common good,” he said.
Emelumba: ‘Stop dehumanising victims for clicks
In a blunt and thought-provoking address, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, delivered a scathing critique of modern media practices. “The gap between being first and being right has never been wider,” he declared. He lamented the erosion of editorial gate-keeping in the digital age, noting that anyone with a smartphone can now broadcast unverified information to millions. “That world where reports passed through layers of verification is gone. Today, a bystander can stream violence live without context or reflection,” he said. Emelumba condemned the in creasing use of graphic content in news reporting. “I have seen situations where bodies are displayed on screens, faces clearly visible, even before families are informed. This is deeply troubling,” he said. He warned that such practices amount to a loss of humanity in journalism. “Every one of those decisions reflects a choice—between speed and dignity. Unfortunately, many choose sensationalism,” he added. The commissioner outlined four ethical principles for responsible reporting: necessity, empathy, context and consequence. “Before publishing, ask yourself: Is this necessary? What would the victim’s family feel? Does this provide context? What consequences will this report have?” He queried. He urged journalists, especially Catholic practitioners, to allow their faith to guide their decisions. “If every human being is made in the image of God, then that dignity does not end because they became news,” he said.
Fr. Osondu: ‘Content without compassion is moral failure
Delivering a deeply reflective keynote address, Rev. Fr. Jude T haddeus Osondu interrogated the ethical foundations of modern journalism in a technology-driven world. Referencing the famous Kevin Carter photograph, he posed a haunting moral question: “What is more important—capturing the story or preserving humanity?” “That image won a prize but raised a deeper question about our humanity,” he said. He warned that violence reporting has become overly sensational, driven by clicks rather than compassion. “We now live in a world where it is almost impossible to consume media without encountering violence. Yet, the reporting has become more about spectacle than humanity,” he noted. Osondu highlighted how violence in Nigeria is often framed through biased narratives and labels. “Depending on where it happens, we hear different labels— bandits, militants, unknown gunmen—but the victims remain human beings,” he said. Drawing from Church teacings, he stressed that journalism must uphold truth, justice and charity
“Our reporting must be true, complete, and rooted in morality. It must respect the dignity of every individual,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of listening in journalism. “A good communicator must be a good listener. Listening is the foundation of dialogue and good journalism,” he added.
Restore the human element in reporting or risk becoming complicit in the very violence you report. Truth must be told—but it must be told with compassion. Technology is a tool, not a master. Every story begins with a human being—and must end with their dignity in-tact
Kalu: ‘When violence becomes normal, society dies
Media expert Peter Agba Kalu, delivered a powerful and philosophical paper, warning that Nigeria risks moral decline if journalists fail to act. “The greatest danger is not violence itself—it is becoming accustomed to it,” he said. He described investigative journalism as a moral responsibility essential to societal survival. “When journalists stop in vestigating, corruption grows. When they stop asking questions, injustice becomes normal,” he stated. Kalu highlighted the dangers journalists face, from terrorism to disinformation networks. “These forces do not just threaten communities—they threaten truth itself,” he said. He outlined three pillars for high-risk reporting: courage, discipline and compassion. “A reckless man can be courageous What we need is disciplined courage guided by responsibility,” he noted. He emphasised that compassion is what distinguishes journalism from exploitation. “Violence reporting without compassion is exploitation. It turns human suffering into content,” he warned
Otalike: ‘Trauma-aware reporting crucial to peace’
RHC Matthews Otalike KSG called for a paradigm shift towards trauma-informed journalism.
“Journalists are not immune to trauma. Exposure to violence af fects both the reporter and the victim,” he said. He explained that trauma can be direct or secondary and warned against insensitive reporting practices. “When we ask careless questions, we risk retraumatising victims,” he noted. Otalike urged journalists to adopt empathy and compassion in their work. “As Catholics, we must approach every story with the compassion of Christ,” he said. He also advocated for conflict-sensitive reporting that promotes reconciliation. “We must avoid ‘us versus them’ narratives and instead highlight shared humanity,” he added. “Our duty is not just to report events but to promote healing and hope.
A defining moment for Nigerian media
As the convention drew to a close, a unified message emerged—clear, urgent and uncompromising. Journalism in Nigeria must choose between profit-driven sensationalism and humanity-driven truth. Speakers agreed that while technology and digital platforms are indispensable, they must not override ethical responsibility. “Technology is a tool, not a master,” was a recurring refrain. In a nation grappling with insecurity, division and distrust, the media was challenged to rise above pressures of speed and virality. The consensus was unmistakable: truth must be told, but it must be told with compassion. As echoed across interviews, speeches and papers, one principle stood tall above all: Every story begins with a human being—and must end with their dignity intact.
