The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo, says the group is committed to sanitising the online media space and establishing industry standards for ethical journalism.
She made this known at the launch of GOCOP’s maiden publication Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing and a fundraising event for the proposed GOCOP Media Centre held in Abuja.
Chigbo said the guild, made up of seasoned journalists with over two decades of experience in mainstream media, is determined to promote ethical online publishing practices.
“We are committed to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and balanced reporting,” she said.
“We have also introduced a self-regulatory mechanism to ensure compliance.”
To further strengthen its commitment to ethics and professionalism, Chigbo noted that GOCOP had established several committees, including a disciplinary committee/ombudsman to address public complaints and ensure accountability.
“We take our self-regulation responsibility seriously and are committed to weeding out unprofessional conduct,” she added.
She expressed appreciation to contributors and supporters of the publication including Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, who wrote the foreword to the book and reviewer Ike Neliaku, president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Chigbo also thanked the Federal Government, state governments, institutions and corporate organisations for their support.
Appealing for donations, she urged stakeholders to assist in building the GOCOP media centre which she said would enable members to run their platforms more profitably.
She called on public relations professionals, advertisers, governments and civil society organisations to support GOCOP businesses.
“Online media plays a critical role in building a society where justice, peace and individual rights are respected,” she said.
GOCOP says its long-term goal is to become a leading voice in the online media space through collaboration with stakeholders and the promotion of ethical standards.
