The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has announced the proscription of beat associations in the country’s media industry.
This was disclosed in a statement by Executive Secretary of NPAN, Feyi Smith, on Wednesday.
The NPO said the proliferation of beat associations has constituted 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.
“The essence of reporters in those 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 constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people at all times, through well-informed news and commentaries,” the statement said.
It added that journalists are not expected to form any association outside their recognised professional body, which is 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 concluded.
