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Russia Pushes For Impartial Coverage Against Fake News

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The World Youth Festival Directorate of the Russian Federation has taken a proactive stance against misinformation by advising media practitioners from 86 countries to be mindful of the news they share about Russia.

They encouraged these journalists to seek collaboration with Russian officials for accurate fact-checking, emphasizing the need for responsible journalism to prevent the misrepresentation of information on a global scale.

The call for media vigilance was made by Yulia Motyakina, Head of the World Youth Festival Directorate’s International Department, at the All-Russian Youth Education Forum, SHUM. This week-long event, held from October 26 to November 1, 2024, in Kaliningrad, convened young voices from across Russia to explore education and media ethics in today’s interconnected world.

Yulia Motyakina emphasized that the primary goal of inviting media practitioners from around the globe to the program was to foster a community committed to truthfulness in reporting. She expressed hope that this initiative would encourage journalists to report facts boldly and impartially, ensuring information is shared without any slant or bias.

Motyakina said, “The issue of fake news has caused a lot of problems in the society. A lot of conflicts and political situations were also ignited as a result of fake news. This kind of news negatively influences the people who can not differentiate between issues that are true and issues that are untrue.

“It is really a big problem because those responsible for fake news create stereotypes, misinformation, and distortions that can affect any society.

“So, the essence of this SHUM Forum is to lecture, advise, and encourage the invited media personalities to always ensure to report balanced and accurate news for the general public.”

Motyakina highlighted that the SHUM Forum in Kaliningrad, Russia, hosted a diverse group of participants, with 100 international journalists and bloggers invited to attend. She added that the event also included 200 additional participants residing within Russia, bringing together voices from across the globe to foster an exchange of ideas and perspectives.

On his part, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Action Alliance political party during the 2023 general election in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuka Johnson urged journalists across the world to be professional in discharging their duties.

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Speaking on the topic, ‘Media versus journalism in a rapidly changing world’, the top Nigerian politician reminded that media practitioners have great responsibilities in ensuring the development of any nation, hence the need for journalists to always act as watchdogs of the society.

“I am calling on all media practitioners attending this SHUM Forum in Kaliningrad to start using their professional abilities to adequately report happenings in the society. We want to see reports without any biases. We need to start seeing stories that would make our governments to work for the people.

“In Nigeria, as we approach the 2027 elections, I am hoping to see journalists from several media organisations report the facts without taking sides. This is how we will be able to get the right persons in leadership positions who will take the nation to greater heights,” he added.

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