By Tunde Oguntola, Abuja
The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO)), has expressed concern over the continued proliferation of beat associations across the industry, describing it as extremely corrosive to the profession.
The organization comprises of Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
A statement by Feyi Smith, Executive Secretary, NPAN, said the development constitutes a drawback on the laudable objective of media houses deploying reporters to such outlets, the essence of which is to enhance efficient and independent gathering of news.
Smith said the essence of reporters covering beats, is to strengthen the operations of the media in its quest to deepen journalism and raise an army of a well informed and enlightened citizenry and actualise its constititutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people at all times, through well informed news and commentaries.
The statement reads in part: “No where in their mandate, are they expected to form any association outside their recognised professional body, the NUJ.
“The proliferation of beat associations, is not only corrosive of the esteemed journalism profession but also capable of lowering ethical and moral standards as well as the quality of reportage, if unchecked.
“They are now to cease and desist from engaging journalists in such untoward conduct,” the statement said.