One Economy hosts media summit on ethical reporting
The One Economy Foundation on Friday held a media summit aimed at educating journalists on ethical reporting on gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health issues and mental health. Speaking at the one-day summit, United Nations coordinator for Namibia Hopolang Phororo emphasised the role of the media in shaping public understanding and influencing societal attitudes, […] The post One Economy hosts media summit on ethical reporting appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
The One Economy Foundation on Friday held a media summit aimed at educating journalists on ethical reporting on gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health issues and mental health.
Speaking at the one-day summit, United Nations coordinator for Namibia Hopolang Phororo emphasised the role of the media in shaping public understanding and influencing societal attitudes, saying that the way the media report on violence, frame headlines, language and images can either contribute to harm or promote dignity and accountability.
“Responsible journalism can humanise stories, strengthen empathy and create pathways towards justice,” said Phororo, while cautioning that insensitive reporting may expose survivors to further trauma and stigma.
One Africa Television news editor Selma Ikela emphasises the need to prioritise survivor-centred reporting, including protecting identities, avoiding graphic content and refraining from blaming victims or justifying abuse.
She says journalists must ensure their coverage does not cause additional harm, while also providing accurate information and directing affected individuals to support services.
Ikela further urges reporters to avoid sensationalism and to contextualise stories to reflect broader social issues rather than isolated incidents.
Veronica Theron of the One Economy Foundation highlights the positive impact of media collaboration in addressing social challenges, noting that investigative reporting has previously contributed to accountability in GBV-related cases.
She, however, warns that poor reporting practices can worsen trauma for victims and undermine trust in the media.
“We have seen firsthand that collaboration with the media can make a real difference in achieving justice, but on the same note, insensitive reporting can deepen the trauma experienced by victims, thus journalists must report ethically and responsibly,” says Theron.
The summit addressed challenges faced by journalists, including tight deadlines and the pressure to publish quickly, which may affect editorial judgment.
The event forms part of broader efforts to improve media reporting standards and encourage responsible storytelling in Namibia.
– Nampa
The post One Economy hosts media summit on ethical reporting appeared first on The Namibian.
