Don cautions against ‘casino’ journalism, warns against consequences
Don cautions against ‘casino’ journalism, warns against consequences
A Professor of Mass Communication, Ismail Ibraheem, has called for journalism ethical practices which will prioritise public good over private interest.
Ibraheem, who lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, made the call at an inaugural lecture of the institution, on Wednesday.
The inaugural lecture had the theme: ‘Casino Journalism and the End of History’.
“This is the path to a resilient media system capable of navigating societal challenges and upholding democratic ideals.
“The media, as an ontological compass, helps societies make sense of the world by constructing and legitimising rational thoughts and ideas.
“However, its potential is compromised when it succumbs to intellectual inertia, misinformation or external pressures.
“A responsible media system fosters empowerment and rational discourse, while an irresponsible one leads to deprivation and chaos,” Ibraheem said.
He said that the concept of casino journalism was his critique of the evolving media landscape where randomness, sensationalism and profit-driven motives dominated the journalistic enterprise.
“In such a landscape, journalistic integrity and the public good are often sacrificed on the altar of short-term gain and click-worthy content.
“The “end of history”, in this context, reflects the existential risk posed by these practices to journalism’s role as a cornerstone of democracy.
“When journalism loses its compass, we risk a society devoid of critical inquiry, accountability and truth – a society where history, in its truest sense, ceases to evolve,” Ibraheem said.
He noted that in Nigeria, the mass media, particularly the print media, had, since 1859, played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s social, political and economic landscape.
“They have also been instrumental in setting the agenda for Nigeria’s political evolution.
“It is widely acknowledged that Nigeria’s political history is deeply intertwined with its media history, reflecting the profound impact of the media at key moments in the country’s development.
“It shows the reciprocal influence of politics on the trajectory and priorities of Nigeria’s mass media,” Ibraheem said.
He added that journalism faced a crisis of credibility, with news platforms enabling misinformation and ‘casino-like’ practices instead of fostering informed discourse.
“This degradation threatens the media’s role as a promoter of public consciousness and rational debate.
“Yet, journalism is a cornerstone of modern society, holding immense power to shape public perception and government accountability.
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“The role of journalists is enshrined in both international and national legal frameworks, and the media is tasked with ensuring transparency in government operations and protecting the rights of the people.
“Ethical values such as fairness, objectivity, and balance form the foundation of responsible journalism,” Ibraheem said.
The professor said that journalism education in Nigeria should adopt a model where students should pursue journalism as a postgraduate specialisation as practised in South Africa.
“This approach ensures a more mature and grounded cohort of journalists.
“Communication and media studies should remain interdisciplinary to retain their relevance and versatility,” Ibraheem added
Ibraheem also called on stakeholders to innovate funding models to secure the future of media organisations and journalism in Nigeria.
