Oak television has committed a professional and ethical blunder against the Nigerian Minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed but quickly tendered a written apology to the minister.
Information reaching us showed that the minister had, during media briefing shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, Wednesday at the presidential Villa, confided in the media men about the Federal government handling of the case of Shiites leader, Ibrahim Elzakzaky.
It was gathered that the minister had repeatedly appealed to the media men that the information was a privileged one and should be treated as “off record.”
It was learnt that Oak television’s Cameraman who recorded the confidential information forwarded the video to his newsroom unedited.
Report had it that immediately Oak television aired the news, it went viral, with social media, online media and other information outlets fielding on it.
Amidst such confusion, the management of the medium sent a written apology to the minister. The letter which was addressed directly to the minister reads:
On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Oak TV made some errors in its reporting regarding a conversation with the Minister of information.
This is an error which we regret. All team members involved have been sanctioned, and would do more to tighten our gatekeeping responsibilities.
We apologize/and regret any encouragement this might have caused the Minister.
Please be assured of our highest esteem and regards.
Management.