AdminThe Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement measures that will ease the economic challenges faced by the citizens as a result of the ongoing reforms such as removal of subsidies and foreign exchange unification.
The Guild said while it recognises the potential long-term benefits of the Federal Government’s reforms, the immediate economic strain on all sectors, especially the media, is becoming unbearable and unhelpful to the economic growth as well as media sustainability and viability.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt therefore called for targeted relief measures to ease the burden on citizens and businesses alike.
The editors made the call during the three-day All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.
In a communique signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of editors and media executives also urged the Federal Government to create a media-friendly environment by reviewing policies that affect operational costs, and consider tariff reductions on essential media equipment.
Editors Call For Innovation In Revenue Generation For Media Sustainability
With the emerging trends in the digital space and the impact on media, the Guild of Editors called for innovation in revenue generation beyond traditional advertising for sustainability.
The NGE also urged media proprietors to invest in digital infrastructure, and staff training to enhance content delivery, and meet needs of Nigeria’s increasing digital audience.
The group reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ethical standards while adapting to changing trends for fiscal sustainability.
“Media owners are encouraged to invest in quality journalism, embrace digital platforms, and offer premium content to ensure financial sustainability,” part of the communique read.
According to the NGE, “There was a strong recommendation at the conference that the media proprietors should invest in digital transformation, enhance content delivery, and train staff in digital skills, like data journalism and multimedia production to adapt to Nigeria’s increasingly digital audience.”
On the concerns over the rise in harassment and violence against journalists, the editors called for “stricter enforcement of journalist protection laws and urged media houses to provide safety training for their staff, especially those covering sensitive issues.’’
The conference also expressed concern over the gagging of Nigerian press, especially online platforms, with obnoxious laws and resolved to compile all the anti-media laws and forward it to the National Assembly to begin the process for repeal or amendment.
Media proprietors were also urged to maintain high standards of professionalism, stressing that adhering to these standards is imperative for building public trust and countering pressures that threaten press Freedom.
“There was a strong recommendation at the conference that the media proprietors should invest in digital transformation, enhance content delivery, and train staff in digital skills, like data journalism and multimedia production to adapt to Nigeria’s increasingly digital audience,” the communique added.
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The Guild also called for greater collaboration among media organisations, NGOs, and civil society in advocating press freedom and pushing for repeal of restrictive policies/laws.
Emerging Tech and Journalism sustainability
The ANEC also discussed the outcome of a conference titled “The Big Tech and Journalism – Building a Sustainable Future for the Global South, which was held last year in Johannesburg.
The conference, which brought together over 70 journalists, news publishers, media organisations, including Nigerian Guild of Editors, scholars, activists, lawyers, and economists from 24 countries discussed solutions to the crisis of the sustainability of journalism and its intersection with the role of major tech platforms
According to the Guild, “The conference culminated in the adoption of Big Tech and Journalism: Principles for Fair Compensation (the Principles). The Principles are intended to be universal, serving as a framework for any country seeking to address media sustainability through competition or regulatory approaches, while enabling adaptation to the unique context.’’
The ANEC, therefore, resolved to use the Principles and hoped that the Principles will represent an important step forward in addressing Nigerian media sustainability in “the tumultuous era of Big Tech.”
