Eschew sensation and embrace responsible reportage, NCAA tasks aviation journalists

The Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria (CAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has tasked aviation journalists to eschew sensation and stick to truthful and responsible reportage at all times.

He gave the charge on Friday when the executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) paid him a courtesy call at the Corporate Headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja.

The Acting DGCA commended the media for the robust reportage of the NCAA and the aviation industry in general adding that even the quality of their reports has improved.

“There was a recent incidence of an air return by an airline and I loved the way the media reported it. Previously, you would see headlines that “120 escape death”; “120 people cheated death” and those types of sensational reports for an air return that is a normal safety procedure in aviation. These headlines create unnecessary panic in the industry, but all that is changing now and it is commendable” he noted.

Captain Najomo pledged NCAA’s support to continue to build capacity for aviation correspondents through training and retraining, so they can report the industry from an informed perspective.

“There is a lot we can collaborate on. It’s not all the time that your report will be based on negative news. If we have done positive things, report them as well. We welcome constructive criticisms as well” he emphasized.

He reiterated that the NCAA maintains an open door policy and the media could always seek clarification on issues through the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

ATACA Chairman, Leonard Oru, appreciated the acting DGCA for the warm reception he accorded the media since assumption office.

He pledged that aviation journalists would continue to uphold ethical standards in their reportage.