Be mind of 35% affirmative action in science reporting - Dagogo-George

NoTAP DG, Dr. Bindir

Communication expert, Mr. Adokiye Dagogo-George, has advised journalists specializing in science technology and innovation reporting to be mindful of the 35 per cent affirmative action, especially in Nigeria.

Dagogo-George who heads the corporate affairs unit of the National Office for Technical Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) made this observation at a one-day workshop for media practitioners hosted by NOTAP in Lagos recently.

He said that as part of the strategies to drum the essence of sciences technology and innovation development to the front burner, things like scientific discoveries that interest women should be showcase.

According to him, the 35 per cent affirmative action being practiced in Nigeria by the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, makes it imperative scientific reports that get the attention of women policy makers will be result oriented.

“Remember that due to the 35 per cent affirmative action there are more women in policy makers in government in Nigeria today,” he said as part of his recommendations as one of the means of spurring science technology and innovation subject in the media.

Dagogo-George further tasks media in the country to exploit the use of drama or suspense, while keeping the message simple and straight forward, insisting that by being positive and constructive, persuasive, passionate as well as futuristic on their job will likely draw attention and make the kind of impact expected of Nigeria media.

“Be interested in newsroom politics that border more on human relations and social psychology,” he counseled, emphasizing that media owners and operators should strive to always ensure a balance in the selection of what constitutes a publishable news item irrespective of their business focus.

Science and Technology issues, Dagogo-George said, could effectively feature even in sports and entertainment magazines, for example, because development as a subject matter cuts across every human endeavour.

He expressed optimism that the adoption of human angle in the selection of lead in reporting science and technology issues, could easily draw attention of the public and it is very important to establish interest in the lead to discourage the audience from switching to the next available news item on radio or TV.

Remmy Nweke/DSBNews 
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