The Director of Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), Ayaa Irene has called on professional Journalists to make proper use of social media in promoting their work.
Irene highlighted the benefits of reporting elections using new media, stating that journalists can use social media to promote their work, connect with their audience, and receive feedback from viewers.
She said, “Used the social media different from the ordinary citizens [Citizen Journalists] by promoting your work, connect with your audience, and receive feedback from Viewers|Readers.”
Ayaa advised professional journalists to use social media differently from ordinary citizens (Citizen Journalists) by respecting all principles of journalism and balancing their stories.
The AMDISS’ Director emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of journalism, including impartiality, accuracy, objectivity, and independence.
Irene believes sticking to these principles will help journalists provide information that empowers viewers to make informed decisions.
“Adhere to the principles of Journalism like impartiality, accuracy, objectivity, and independence. This will help you give information from various sources to help viewers to make informed decisions,” she stated
Ms. Ayaa also cautioned journalists to always pause and think before publishing any content online (social media blogs/pages).
“Before you publish any content online or on your Social Media blog, paused and think. Because some content might affect your coverage,” Irene concluded.
The remarks come during a master class presentation for journalists organized by Women in News (WIN) on effective use social media to cover and report elections.