Labour Ministry Tasks Journalists on Accuracy, Fairness in Reporting Industrial Issues… Embrace AI
Oru Leonard
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has charged Labour Reporters to uphold accuracy, fairness and objectivity in their coverage of industrial relations, warning that sensational or incomplete reports could heighten tensions and undermine efforts to promote industrial peace.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kamil Shoretire gave the charge at a one-day training workshop organised for Labour Reporters, stressing the strategic role of the media in shaping public understanding of labour and employment issues.
The Permanent Secretary said journalists covering the sector must be able to distinguish clearly between facts, allegations, opinions and interpretations when reporting sensitive issues involving workers, employers, government and trade unions.
According to the Permanent Secretary, labour journalism requires more than reporting strikes, wage negotiations and industrial disputes, noting that reporters need adequate knowledge of labour laws, collective bargaining, occupational safety and health, social security and employment policies.
The Permanent Secretary described Labour Reporters as an important bridge between government, employers, workers, organised labour and the wider public.
The Ministry also urged journalists to keep pace with emerging developments in the world of work, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, the gig and platform economy, labour migration, social protection, skills development and the future of work.
The Permanent Secretary said these emerging issues require specialised knowledge and responsible communication to ensure that the public receives balanced and reliable information.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media and providing journalists with relevant information on government policies, programmes and interventions in the labour and employment sector.
The Permanent Secretary said continuous capacity building remained necessary for journalists covering the sector, describing the workshop as part of a broader effort to improve professional labour reporting.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged participants to take advantage of the training to acquire new knowledge, exchange experiences and build professional networks that would enhance their reporting.
Kamil Shoretire further commended the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, resource persons and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the programme.
He noted that responsible labour reporting would contribute to greater understanding, constructive dialogue and harmonious industrial relations in the country.
