Unesco urges online content creators to address disinformation

Kariba- UNESCO Southern region communications director has urged local online content creators to counter disinformation by verifying facts,exposing lies and rigorous fact checking.

Addressing content creators in Kariba Monday, Unesco representative Al Min Yusuph said there is need for engaging authorative sources.

” Factual reporting is not only a professional obligation, but also a democratic
necessity.

“Ethical reporting means adhering to the principles of truthfulness,
fairness, accuracy, balance, objectivity, independence and accountability.

“It alsomeans avoiding sensationalism, bias, distortion, manipulation, propaganda and
misinformation,” she said.

She added that ethical reporting promotes public trust and confidence in the media.

“Addressing disinformation is a key challenge that the media faces in the digital age.
“Disinformation is false or misleading information that is spread deliberately or
unintentionally to influence public opinion or obscure the truth,” she said.

Zimbabwe Online Content Creators president Toneo Rutsito explained that the workshop aims to enhance the professionalism of influential online players and strengthen them in their commitment to ethical, credible, and professional content creation.

“The workshop particularly focuses on the post-election period, aiming to help content disseminators improve their responsibility in informing and educating the nation about election-related matters after voting,” he said.

He said digital media holds the largest market share and serve the majority of information consumers in the country – approximately 70%.